Bailey back in Reggae Boyz squad for Nations League clash against USA

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey and striker Shamar Nicholson have been named to Jamaica's 23-man squad for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against the United States.

The Reggae Boyz will first face the USA at the National Stadium in Kingston on November 14 before traveling to St Louis for the return leg at Energizer Park on November 18.

Bailey has not been available for the Reggae Boyz squad since November 2023, following a suspension by former coach Heimir Hallgrímsson for breaching curfew after a win over Canada. Although he was selected for matches against Cuba and Honduras in early September, he was unable to play due to injury.

Nicholson is back after opting out of the last squad to focus on match fitness with his club, Spartak Moscow.

Head coach Steve McClaren said he had built a “good bond” with Bailey, who has worked to regain fitness and is now regularly playing full matches.

"He was so unlucky to miss the first two camps due to injuries, but now he’s had two or three weeks after missing the last camp to get his fitness back," McClaren said. “He’s playing 90 minutes regularly now. He’s absolutely delighted and can’t wait to come over and be part of the squad.”

McClaren praised Nicholson’s progress, adding, "We kept in touch with Shamar since the last camp, and we fully understood that he wanted to stay at his club and regain his fitness. He hired a personal trainer who’s been working hard with him. He’s been getting more minutes with his club and scoring goals."

Meanwhile, Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden is set to make his debut for Jamaica after committing his international future to the team. “He’s at a stage in his career where he wants to kick on, and this is a way he can do that,” McClaren said, noting that Hayden’s experience as a defensive midfielder will bring stability to the squad.

The 29-year-old Hayden, who has represented England at youth levels, will now set his sights on helping Jamaica qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Hayden is the latest in a growing list of players targeted by McClaren as part of his strategy to strengthen the Reggae Boyz ahead of their World Cup campaign.

Reggae Boyz squad

Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Shaquan Davis/Defenders: Dexter Lembikisa, Tayvon Gray, Damion Lowe, Mason Holgate, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Di'Shon Bernard, Amari'i Bell, Greg Leigh.Midfielders: Joel Latibeaudiere, Isaac Hayden, Karoy Anderson, Kasey Palmer, Tyreek MageeForwards: Leon Bailey, Kaheim Dixon, Shamar Nicholson, Romario Williams, Demarai Gray, Renaldo Cephas, Michail Antonio.