Application will be key, says Blake

Reggae Boyz team captain Andre Blake said the players need to apply themselves when they take on Bermuda today in Concacaf World Cup Qualifying at the National Stadium, beginning at 7 p.m.

Jamaica are coming off a shock 2-0 defeat to Curacao on Friday in their last outing, with saw them ceding the top spot in Group B.

Blake explained the team had struggled to adapt to the artificial surface at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, but felt they were wasteful with their chances.

"Last week, I think it was a tricky game going there and playing on turf, but there is no excuse from the players' side," he said.

"As professionals, we have to be able to adapt and adjust wherever we go. I always say it's both teams playing on the same pitch.

"We had our chances and we didn't take our chances and they did; that's just football. We have to learn from it and we have to keep getting better."

With a return to the National Stadium against Bermuda, Blake said the players are aware of what is at stake.

Jamaica currently sit second in the Group B with six points, trailing leaders Curacao with seven. Trinidad and Tobago are third with four points while Bermuda have lost all three matches.

Blake warned that despite Bermuda's poor form it will not be a formality.

"We know exactly what we have to do. No game is easy and you don't win games on paper anymore. You have to go out there and you have to apply yourself," he stated. "Whenever you show up and you're not ready to play, it's going to be a difficult game."

He added: "The mindset is right, the mindset is clear and we know exactly what we have to do, so we're going to go out there and execute."

Jamaica's midfield will be boosted by the return of Isaac Hayden and Kasey Palmer. Both players had missed the Curacao game due to suspension.

Head coach Steve McClaren said they are a major asset for the team, as they bring a new dimension to the midfield.

"We need freshness for this game, we need energy and attitude and we were lucky and unlucky that we were missing those two. We're lucky we got them back and we're looking to change a few more," he said.

"I don't think you can play the same team and you need to bring in energy. We have two very fresh ones in Isaac and Kasey coming in, who are very integral to how our midfield plays."

Also in Group B action, leaders Curacao will host Trinidad and Tobago at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, with match time set for 6 p.m.

In their earlier meeting, the two teams played out a scoreless draw.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com