Rangers attacker Kemar Roofe could be set for an unexpected route to the World Cup next year, as part of an audacious plan by Jamaica to call-up several significant players, mostly based in the UK.
The plan from the Caribbean nation is to recruit around 15 players to their squad, including names such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Demarai Gray, Everton’s Mason Holgate and Nathan Redmond of Southampton.
As part of the move, the Jamaican FA is going through the necessary steps with the targeted players who will need to acquire Jamaican passports – in addition to those who already have one – ahead of the start of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers later this month.
In a press report, the full breakdown of players was given although some are still hopeful of making a breakthrough into the England squad.
Former Leicester man Gray, Norwich defender Max Aarons and Brenford’s rising star Ivan Toney are all said to be cool on attaching themselves to the Reggae Boyz, as they look to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Others such as Roofe, Isaac Hayden, Rolando Aarons, Curtis Tilt, Andre Gray, Ethan Pinnock, Mason Holgate, Jamal Lowe, Kasey Palmer and Amari’i Bell are all in the sights of the Jamaican FA.
The Daily Mail reported last week that: “West Ham star Michail Antonio is set to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica in a bid to play in the 2022 World Cup after being repeatedly snubbed for game-time, and the Jamaican Football Federation have confirmed his interest.”
“He turned down the chance to represent Jamaica in 2016 and was later called up to England squads by Sam Allardyce and Gareth Southgate but did not make his debut.”
As for Rangers, this move would be a boost to the profile of 28-year old, Walsall-born Kemar Roofe, but the talented forward would have the obvious travel demands put on top of his existing workload.
The decision will be for the player, with manager Steven Gerrard likely having some input to the conversation but it would be a positive boost for Rangers brand and reputation, to be represented by as many players as possible in football’s flagship international tournament, set to take place next year in Qatar.
JFF President Michael Ricketts confirmed all of these players (except Max Aarons) listed + Michail Antonio have or are in the process of acquiring passports for Jamaica MNT
via @SportsMax_Carib 🇯🇲 #jff pic.twitter.com/MzIaZDPzO0
— chris bowerbank (@chrisbowerbank) March 3, 2021