Reggae Boyz head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has included Kaheim Dixon in his 23-man squad for the Concacaf Nations League, after the recent two-game friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago.
Hallgrimsson said there will be no pressure on the teenager in Jamaica’s must-win game against the United States of America.
Dixon was Jamaica’s lone goalscorer against Trinidad as the teenager converted the winning goal in the first of the friendlies. His efforts have been rewarded with his first competitive selection for the senior Reggae Boyz.
However, Hallgrimsson says there will be no pressure for Dixon to perform right away, as his selection is an opportunity for the player to be integrated with the senior players.
Dixon’s inclusion is similar to Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richard’s selection for last year’s Concacaf Gold Cup.
“This is a chance he will get now and we’re not asking him to deliver the same as others. This is a test for him to grow as a player and a person,” Hallgrimsson said.
“This is not do-or-die for him, this is an opportunity and I hope he understands it. There is no pressure on that kid, and it’s also to see how he interacts with these players.
“We think he has a bright future; he’s only 19 and has not played, let’s say, ‘grown-up football’. It’s similar with ‘Whisper’ when we took him to the Gold Cup, and he grabbed his opportunity and did well for us.”
Assistant coach Merron Gordon explained Dixon had been on the coaches’ radar after his stellar season with Clarendon College in schoolboy football.
Dixon impressed the coaching staff with his ability in his time with the local-based camps, and they believe the Nations League will prove to be the perfect opportunity to introduce him to international football with professional players.
“After the schoolboy tournament, I met with the coach and told him about this youngster. We looked at him during the local camp and he impressed us then. He’s a hard-working kid, who scores goals at will.
“Taking Kaheim into an environment like this is not to pressure him as a footballer but to build his character and professionalism. It’s not to bring him here to help us get results, but trust me if you give him a chance, he will deliver,” Gordon said.
gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com
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