Red Bulls’ Bradley Wright-Phillips in Jamaica plans?
Having been neglected by England despite his goalscoring prowesses for New York Red Bulls, Bradley Wright-Phillips could be picked up by Jamaica for their upcoming World Cup qualifying games. Possibly adding him to an already fearsome front-line with Darren Mattocks, Giles Barnes and Deshorn Brown.
Now, I know what you are thinking. Jamaica? How could Bradley Wright-Phillips be eligible to play for Jamaica? His brother and father played multiple times for England; and Bradley was born in London. But, the Reggae Boyz have been able to consider the Red Bulls DP because he has Jamaican roots through his grandmother and have the paperwork filled out and ready to go.
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, Wright-Phillips has been considered by the national team. He was reported to have followed the national teams progress over their recent games and held talks with Red Bulls teammate Kemar Lawrence who also plays for Jamaica but it yet to make a decision.
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Coach Roy Simpson confirmed that they had started negotiations.
“Yes, we have reached out to Bradley Wright-Phillips,”
Bradley Wright-Phillips has not actually stated whether he will represent Jamaica at international level or not. It is a big commitment especially because of the travel and juggling his Red Bulls service with Jamaica. The Gleaner says Wright-Phillips did not give any time-frame for his decision.
Obviously he wants to concentrate on getting New York Red Bulls into the play-offs; before he can think about other endeavours such as international football. He may also find some pressure from the Red Bulls organisation not to accept it. Internationals are sorely missed by their teams when the league continues through international dates and BWP is no exception to that trend.
The Red Bulls often had to deal without the talismanic Tim Cahill last year when he was away with Australia. This led to some friction between him and the fans who questioned Cahill’s commitment to them. This could prove to be an impact on how this all plays out; or it could not. That is the thing about this. It is quite out of the blue, and so the idea of Wright-Phillips away on international weeks is new.
Jamaica reached the final of the Gold Cup but fell to defeat against Mexico. The Reggae Boyz beat favorites, and hosts, the USA to advance to the final. With an array of talent already on show, adding last seasons MLS top-scorer and one of the best strikers in the CONCACAF region is a pretty big statement.
Jamaica face Panama in their qualification semfi-final in November. So both parties will have surely reached a conclusion before that stage. If he does decide to join he could be a key factor in getting Jamaica over the line against Panama and onto the next stage on the long road to the World Cup.