Grant ready to ‘put on a show’ against Martinique

One of the standout performers in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) this season, Racing United’s Tajay Grant, said he is ready to “put on show” today when the Reggae Boyz take on Martinique in an international friendly at the Stade Pierre-Aliker in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

The match is set to kick off at 6 p.m. Jamaica time and is being used as preparation for the FIFA Intercontinental Playoffs in March.

Interim Reggae Boyz head coach Rudolph Speid has selected an all-local squad for the friendly, with Grant one of the leading names in the selection.

Grant has been one of the leading players for Racing United, who sit second in the JPL standings, with 12 goals and three assists in 22 games played.

He is hopeful on bringing his prolific form into the national programme as he is expected to make his Reggae Boyz debut against the French Caribbean island.

“It is high intensity, high quality and everything has to be on point and I think I am getting better,” Grant said ahead of the match.

“I’m looking forward to representing my country, trying to do my best to help the team and to put on show.”

The game will be the second international friendly for the Boyz under the guidance of interim head coach Speid.

Speid’s first assignment saw the Boyz defeating Grenada 1-0 last month, with Tivoli Gardens’ Nickalia Fuller scoring the winning goal for Jamaica with a strike in the second half.

Several members of the team from the Grenada friendly have returned to the squad, including key players like Fuller, Shamar Watson, Nickyle Ellis, Warner Brown and Daniel Green.

There are also several new names in the squad, who are either expected to make their debuts or are making a long-awaited return to the national programme.

Arnett Garden’s Rushieke Kelson is one such new name in the roster, while defender Tarick Ximines is making a return to the squad since his last appearance in 2022.

Following the Martinique friendly, the Reggae Boyz will open the intercontinental playoffs against New Caledonia on March 26, where a win would book a potential clash against DR Congo on March 31 for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com