KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC- Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Reggae Boyz squad, having been named by newly appointed head coach Steve McClaren for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches against Cuba and Honduras.
Bailey, now 27, last featured for Jamaica’s senior men’s national team in November 2023. His absence followed a suspension imposed by former head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, coupled with a self-imposed break that saw him decline an invitation to the 2024 Copa America. This led to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) temporarily suspending Bailey from national team selection.
However, McClaren, who recently took over as head coach, revealed that he had a productive conversation with Bailey during which the player expressed his renewed commitment to the team. JFF President Michael Ricketts also confirmed that Bailey’s return was solidified in writing.
Eighteen players from the Copa America squad will rejoin the team, with the additions of Amari’i Bell, Norman Campbell, Jon Russell, and Adrian Reid Jr., rounding out the 23-man roster.
The squad is set to arrive on the island next week in preparation for their clash against Cuba at the National Stadium next Friday.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Conniah Boyce-Clarke
Defenders: Damion Lowe, Di’Shon Bernard, Ethan Pinnock, Amari’i Bell, Greg Leigh, Richard King, Joel Latibeaudiere
Midfielders: Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, Adrian Reid Jr.
Forwards: Leon Bailey, Michail Antonio, Shamar Nicholson, Demarai Gray, Kaheim Dixon, Norman Campbell
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