Confident Boyz fly out

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's head coach, Theo-dore 'Tappa' Whitmore, was high on confidence yesterday as the Reggae Boyz departed from the Norman Manley Airport for Wednesday's friendly match against South American giants Argentina.

The 18-man squad which left yesterday included Manchester High schoolboy Jason Johnson.

Whitmore said: "We are going there to give a good account of ourselves."

The Jamaican head coach acknowledged that Argentina were a top side but reminded everyone that they have played well in the past against top South American teams.

"We are going there very optimistic, we are looking forward to a good performance and I am expecting everybody to go out there and give 100 per cent," he said. "We don't guarantee a result but we guarantee a good performance," Whitmore said. "I know that the national team always play well against big teams, and this is one of those games."

The Reggae Boyz will be missing a number of key players, including Luton Shelton, who scored the winner against Canada in last Sunday's friendly at the National Stadium. Also not with the squad are last Sunday's captain Tyrone Marshall and Demar Phillips. All three players have returned to their clubs.

Whitmore is not worried, however.

"We just have to concentrate on the players that we have available here. We just have to build their confidence because it's a big game for them and they know that they have to go out and perform," he said.