‘More than ready’ - UK-based defender Courtney Clarke eager to represent Ja on home soil

Walsall defender Courtney Clarke says he has been waiting for the chance to represent Jamaica’s senior team at home and is ready to seize it as the Reggae Boyz prepare to face Guatemala in the Concacaf Nations League at the National Stadium at 7 p.m. today.

Speaking at yesterday’s pre-match press conference along with head coach Rudolph Speid, Clarke said the call-up has given him confidence to perform for Jamaican fans both abroad and at home.

“I’m more than ready now. I’ve been waiting for this for a while,” Clarke said. “The Unity Cup gave me the confidence to show the Jamaican fans in England. Now I want to be on home soil and show what I can do.”

Clarke’s introduction to the senior team could not have been better. It took just eight minutes for the 23-year-old to score on his debut.

That curler helped Jamaica to a 2-0 win over India in the Unity Cup semi-final in May of this year.

Clarke, who has family ties to May Pen in Clarendon, said playing in Kingston for this third cap will be an emotional moment.

“It would be a big moment for me,” he said. “I grew up in May Pen, down at Hazard, playing football with the locals, and that would mean so much for my family, them seeing me on the national stage and making them proud.”

The defender also spoke about adjusting to life under Speid, contrasting the environment with what he knows in England.

“In England it’s a bit different, they are more shouty,” he said. “But, with Speid, he doesn’t say much, but he’s always watching. If you drop your standards, you might be out of the team because you never know. He knows exactly what we’re doing and how we want to play. He believes in everybody, and the Jamaica way is the best.”

Clarke said the squad is united in its purpose, and he believes the confidence is there to put in a good showing.

“Everybody’s been working, pushing everybody. Everybody knows the goal. We have some talented players in this squad and, once we give our all and play to our best, I believe we will get the desired results.”