LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

John Barnes (left) and Jamaica Football Federation president Captain Horace Burrell greet each other at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel yesterday. Barnes, the national technical director-in-waiting, is in the island to see Jamaica take on Mexico in their World Cup qualifying match at the National Stadium tomorrow evening. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

JOHN BARNES believes he and the Reggae Boyz will have something to play for when he takes charge of his first game as coach of Jamaica's senior football team on November 19 against Canada in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.

Barnes, who was born in Jamaica but played professionally in England, pledged his confidence in interim coach Theodore Whitmore and the squad as they prepare to face Mexico and Honduras tomorrow and Wednesday, respectively, at the National Stadium.

"I have complete faith in Theodore. I worked with him before and I see how the players respond to him," said Barnes at a press conference yesterday, shortly after arriving in the island for the World Cup qualifiers.

Fantastic performance expected

"I know many of these players better than most people and I have complete faith in them. It's amazing the standard of quality that we have sitting here.

"It's not about me. It's about us working together as a team, and I have no doubt we will put on a fantastic performance and be competitive."

Barnes, a former England and Liverpool player after migrating to England as a youth, begins his one-year term on November 1. He was on the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) shortlist late last year when it was coach-hunting following the sacking of Bora Milutinovic.

However, Brazilian René Simoes was selected. Simoes was subsequently fired on September 10.

Barnes said he was so eager for a chance at the job he committed to it half asleep.

"Captain Burrell called me up at 2 o'clock in the morning - there was no contract, no mention of money. But I gave him an answer there and then. That's how much I wanted to come," Barnes said of his conversation with JFF president Captain Horace Burrell.

Barnes added that contractual arrangements with a media house for which he works prevented him from joining the team earlier and preparing it for the two upcoming games.

As spectator for match

Captain Burrell said the JFF invited Barnes to attend the games as part of his preparation for coaching the side.

"We thought it sensible to invite John to the next two games as a mere spectator, to see what exactly he is going to be dealing with," said Burrell.