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• Steve McClaren recalls controversial winger Leon Bailey for Reggae Boyz’ crucial clash against Cuba

  Newly appointed Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren has made a bold move ahead of Jamaica's CONCACAF Nations League match against Cuba, set for September 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston. McClaren has recalled Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, whose recent history with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has been marked by controversy.

   In June 2024, the JFF temporarily suspended Bailey from the senior Men's National Team due to his public comments and decision not to participate in the Copa America 2024, despite being selected. The federation cited Bailey's expressed desire to take a break from national duties, and the suspension was intended to prevent further miscommunication and manage the situation.

  However, McClaren, who took over as head coach recently, has decided to give Bailey a fresh start, offering him a chance to rejoin the national team. The JFF stipulated that Bailey must first clear the air with the federation through a formal letter before being considered for selection. This condition has apparently been met, as Bailey is now named in the squad for the crucial encounter against Cuba.

  Joining Bailey in the squad is Demarai Gray, who returns after recovering from injury to strengthen the Reggae Boyz's attacking options. Norman Campbell, who currently plays for Randers FC in Denmark and last represented Jamaica in 2021, has also been recalled. The attacking line-up is further bolstered by Shamar Nicholson and Kaheim Dixon, the latter having recently joined Charlton Athletic.

   In midfield, McClaren has selected Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, and Adrian Reid Jr., all of whom will play pivotal roles in controlling the game against Cuba.

  The defensive unit includes Dexter Lembikisa, Di’Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Michael Hector, Richard King, Amari’I Bell, Joel Lattibeaudierre, and Ethan Pinnock. These defenders will be tasked with keeping Cuba’s attack at bay in what promises to be a competitive fixture.

  The goalkeeping responsibilities will be shared among Andre Blake, Coniag Boyce Clarke, and Jahmali Waite, who have all been named in the squad.

  This September 6 clash marks a significant moment for the Reggae Boyz as they aim to assert their dominance in the CONCACAF Nations League and move past the controversies that have recently surrounded the team. McClaren's decision to recall Bailey is sure to draw attention, and all eyes will be on the National Stadium to see how the team performs under his leadership.

   

   

   

• Stein, Atkinson at the double as Cavalier stay perfect in Caribbean Cup with 4-1 beating of T&T's Police FC

  Jamaica’s Cavalier FC maintained their perfect start to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup as they registered a comfortable 4-1 over Trinidad and Tobago’s Miscellaneous Police FC in a lopsided Group A affair at Sabina Park on Thursday.

  A brace each from Shaquille Stein (22^nd and 65^th) and Dwayne Atkinson (77^th and 90+2) got the job done for the Rudolph Austin-coached Cavalier, which now sits comfortably atop the group on six points, three ahead of Jamaican counterpart Mount Pleasant FA.

  Kevon Woodley (32^nd) got Police's consolation as they remain fourth in the standings with a point.

  Riding high from their opening 2-0 win over Mount Pleasant, Cavalier were always expected to start slight favourites, and they justified that with the opening strike less than 30 minutes in.

  Suriname’s Stein, who is proving a valuable asset to Cavalier’s attacking line so far, got on the end of a through pass from Christopher Ainsworth and tucked home a right-footed effort from deep inside the 18-yard box.

  However, Police were back on level terms 10 minutes later as Woodley converted an expert diving header from Alvin Jones’ perfectly weighted cross to make it 1-1 at the break.

  Like they did at the start, Cavalier showed more purpose and regained the lead five minutes past the hour-mark, when Stein drove an effort past Adrian Foncette, in goal for Police, from a low pass from Atkinson.

  Atkinson then added his name to the scoresheet 12 minutes later when he applied to finishing touches to a blistering counterattack to put Cavalier 3-1 up.

  With Police down and unable to find a response, Cavalier continued to apply pressure and added a fourth when Atkinson fired home on the volley after Police’s custodian Foncette punched clear from a corner kick in time added.

  Cavalier will next meet Haiti’s Real Hope FA in Kingston on September 17, while Police FC will seek its first victory of the campaign against Arnett Gardens FC in Couva on September 19.

  On Thursday, Dominican Republic’s Ciabo FC climbed to second in Group B on four points with a 2-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda’s Grenades FC, who were wetting their feet for the first time in the tournament.

• Man Utd handed Mourinho reunion in Europa League

  Manchester United will travel to Turkey to face former manager Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce following the Europa League's revamped draw on Friday.

  The new league phase format sees each of the 36 teams play eight games, four at home and four away.

  During his two-and-a-half-year spell at United, Mourinho led them to Europa League glory in 2017, beating Ajax 2-0 in the final.

  The Red Devils' remaining seven games include an all-British home clash against Rangers, welcoming them to Old Trafford for the first time in 14 years, and a trip to another of Mourinho's old clubs, Porto.

  Rangers, who have failed to win any of their last 13 games in major European competition against English opposition, will also face Tottenham and Conference League winners Olympiakos.

  Spurs, winners of the inaugural tournament in 1972, will also meet Roma and Galatasaray in their other seven fixtures.

  Meanwhile, in the Conference League, Chelsea's draw includes League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers at home and a trip to Panathinaikos.

  The Blues, who narrowly qualified for the competition on Thursday, have never faced any of their six opponents in any competition before.