Former youth representatives impress coach Busby

FORMER YOUTH national representatives Jaileah McPherson and Shaneil Buckley have both earned high praises from Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby Jr ahead of Jamaica's clash against Dominica in the Concacaf WC qualifiers.

McPherson, 19 years old, and Buckley, 20 years old, were listed in Busby's 21-player squad for their opening Group B game on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Busby said both players have proven themselves in the senior programme having broken through with their performances with the junior teams and their respective colleges.

He said it is a good sign for Jamaica to have the two young talents, especially as they play at opposite ends of the field.

McPherson has a well-earned reputation as a stalwart defender while Buckley has dazzled fans with her quick feet and eye for goal.

"Those two players, at both ends of the pitch, are two bright young players that have grown very well within the senior camp over the last year," Busby said.

The Reggae Girlz boss explained he has been tracking McPherson's career over the past few years, having followed her development in Canada.

He described the defender as a 'sponge' who always shows a bright attitude towards improving her craft and often learns at the feet of her senior teammates.

"I've known her as a younger player coming out of Canada, but she's progressed through our system really well," Busby explained.

"The times when I stopped by the U20 training sessions, she radiates positivity and energy and she's sort of a sponge for learning.

"For her to come into the senior group, and just be a sponge, and listen to the older players, and take everything on with an absolutely excellent attitude. That has resonated with everybody in the group."

He said with her attitude towards the sport, McPherson has become a versatile player who can, not only marshal a backline, but can also move into the midfield as well.

"She can also play as a number six, which is what makes it possible to integrate her in, because she is good technically," he praised.

Busby was also full of praise for Buckley, who he said has already left a great legacy.

Having caught national attention as a leader in Excelsior High School's schoolgirl football dynasty, Buckley quickly became a mainstay in the junior national teams, representing at the U17 and U20 levels.

She made her senior debut October 2022, and scored her first goal in November 2023.

Busby has also been impressed by her collegiate career, having won back-to-back National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national titles with Daytona State as the leading goalscorer.