New boy Jones ready to impress

For Ricky-Jade Jones, receiving his first call-up to the Reggae Boyz squad was more than an opportunity to represent Jamaica, it was a proud moment for his family and a chance to make his mark on the international stage.

Jones is in line to make his debut as Jamaica prepare to face Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal.

Jamaica will face Mexico in the first leg today at the National Stadium with kick off set for 8 p.m.

Jones said he was delighted when he received the invitation, describing the experience as one of the most memorable moments of his football journey.

“It’s one of the best feelings,” Jones said. “I remember getting the message that I’ve been invited to come out, so I was happy, it was a proud moment for me and my family, and I just couldn’t wait to get started,” he said.

Jones, 24, was a late addition to the Reggae Boyz squad having being omitted from interim head coach Rudolph Speid’s initial selection.

Despite only spending a few days with the squad, Jones believes he has settled in quickly and is already developing a strong connection with his new teammates.

“Training’s been good and I feel good in myself. The team feels good. We’ve got a good bond. I’ve only been here for a couple of days and I feel really part of it already,” he said.

The forward is particularly keen to bring energy and aggression to Jamaica’s attack, identifying pressing, hard work and goalscoring as the main attributes he hopes to contribute.

“I feel like I can bring a lot of energy to the team. I love running, I love pressing, scoring goals and working hard for the team,” Jones explained.

Jones currently plies his trade with the German second division club FC St Pauli and is a graduate from the English League One club Peterborough’s academy.

His inclusion in the national programme brings a new dimension of speed for Jamaica’s front line, as Jones is known for his blistering pace.

Defensive responsibilities

He also highlighted the importance of his defensive responsibilities, believing that pressing from the front can help relieve pressure on the team’s defence while creating opportunities to score.

“As the number nine, you start that pressing. If you can win the ball back and keep the pressure off the defence, it gives you more chance to score a goal,” he said.

With Mexico presenting a significant test, Jones is aware of the excitement surrounding the possibility of making his debut in such an important fixture.

However, he insists his attention is firmly on the task at hand, rather than the size of the occasion.

“Obviously it’s quite exciting, but when a big game comes on the issue, you’ve got to put that excitement to the side and really focus on the game,” he said.

For the newcomer, the opportunity to represent Jamaica against a highly rated opponent is exactly the type of challenge he wants as he begins his international journey.

The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the semifinals of the Nations League as well as qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com