LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Midfielder Jermaine Johnson takes a break during a Reggae Boyz training session yesterday at the UWI Mona Bowl. - LeVaughn Flynn photos

There were plenty laughs at the Reggae Boyz training session at the UWI Mona Bowl yesterday but come Saturday it will be serious business for Jamaica. The island's World Cup campaign heavily depends on a win against Mexico on Saturday and Honduras the following Wednesday at the National Stadium.

Five of the nine overseas-based players that attended Jamaica's first training session were earning a recall for the first time in the second round of qualifiers.

Damion Stewart, who last played for Jamaica against Costa Rica in February, said he always anticipated a recall to the squad.

"No matter what I never count myself out of the programme," Stewart stated. "I always thought that no matter what, I'm going to get back in and that's one of the things that motivate me to work even harder at my club and try to get a good start, which I've had so far."

As far as motivation goes for Claude Davis, the Derby County defender said he uses criticism by naysayers to motivate him.

"That's just the mentality of some Jamaicans, they think negative and are always ready to kill you before you start playing," said Davis. "But I know the majority who have confidence in us will come out and support us."

Proving to everybody

He added: "It's not about proving doubters wrong, it's proving to ourselves that we can do it. It's more about doing it for us and the country and people who support us, instead of the critics."

Jamaica, at the bottom of the group with one point, face a mammoth task of filling one of two qualifying spots to the final round. Currently Mexico (nine) and Honduras (six) are favoured to advance based on their position. Canada, the fourth team in the group, are also on one point, but they have a superior goal difference to Jamaica.

Interim coach Theodore Whitmore, who will be in charge of the Mexico and Honduras games and who selected only three local-based players, said his squad will be ready for the challenge.

"It's going to be a tough game that's all we know, but we have to do what we have to do," said Whitmore.

John Barnes, who will begin his one year contract as coach beginning with the final game of the round against Canada on November 19, will attend both games.

Ten other overseas-based players are set to join the training camp which will run until Thursday. Tyrone Marshall and Omar Cummings were due in last night. Jamal Campbell-Ryce, who missed his flight yesterday, will arrive today along with Oneil Thompson, Demar Stewart, Luton Shelton, Rudolph Austin and Ian Goodison.

Marlon King, who was originally scheduled to arrive yesterday, remained in England to treat a back injury and is expected on Thursday, along with Wolry Wolfe who plays in Trinidad and Tobago.

Shavar Thomas (left) Ricardo Gardner (centre) and Demar Phillips during yesterday's Reggae Boyz training session at the UWI Mona Bowl.