GREG Leigh has praised the work done so far by his national team boss, the former Oxford United player and coach Steve McClaren.
Jamaica appointed McClaren as head coach at the end of July, having spent the previous two years as assistant to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
He oversaw two wins and two draws in the Concacaf Nations League group stage, ensuring progress to the quarter-finals, where Jamaica will come up against the United States in a two-legged tie.
The fixtures take place on Friday (1am GMT) and Tuesday (1am GMT).
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Leigh said of McClaren: “He’s been great. He’s someone who has taken the job in his stride and he’s really excited to come in and manage the boys.
“He’s spoken about how he’s always seen the big potential with Jamaica, and I think we’ve made leaps and bounds in the way that we recruit, but also the quality and level of player that we’re getting.
“He has good ideas on how he wants the team to play. It’s difficult when you’ve only got 10 days though to try and impart all your wisdom on how we’re going to play in possession and out of possession, and change according to the teams that we’re playing.
“It’s difficult, and going away with teams like Jamaica poses its own challenges. He’s finding that out on the way, but he’s got very good energy and he’s very knowledgeable.
“He gives the lads confidence and the licence to play. I think he’s doing a really good job so far, so I’m really excited to carry on with the team and see where we can get to.”
Discussing the key distinctions between league football in England and international football, Leigh said: “It moves at a very different pace, it’s almost slower to then quicker if that makes sense.
“The back third and the middle third is a lot slower, but then the final third is very quick and very explosive.
“There are a lot of good players and a lot of good wingers. There is probably more time on the ball because it’s a very quick pace in England and people are in your face constantly.
“There is probably more quality. If you switch off for a moment, any team at international level can hurt you.”
In September, Leigh played the full 90 minutes in an unconventional right back slot, as Jamaica beat Honduras.
Leigh revealed it wasn’t the first time he’s been asked to play at right back though, doing so for Morecambe during the 2021/22 season.
He said: “We ended up having a right back injured, so I had to play right back for the last six or seven games.
“But when you’re playing at international level, it’s difficult. At the same time, it’s a challenge and a test, and something you take in your stride.
“It was tough, but at the end of the day, we got the win so it couldn’t have been all that bad.”