Tweet
Darren dreams of teaming up with the Reggae Boyz
Friday, December 12, 2008, 08:00
WHEN Jamaica lit up the World Cup in France a decade ago, every kid in the Caribbean was dreaming of one day being part of the Reggae Boyz.
While that remains a pipedream for those doting supporters, for Darren Pratley it remains a reality 10 years on.
The London-born midfielder is eligible to play for Jamaica as his father's parents hail from there, which offers him a unique chance of starring on the international stage.
At the time of Jamaica's finest achievement, Pratley was a 13-year-old sharing the same hopes and ambitions of the schoolyard.
While Pratley has always known of his Jamaican descent, he admits it is something he hasn't thought about — until now.
When contacted by an agency in London enquiring of his family background, thoughts of playing under John Barnes (right) at international level sounded hugely appealing.
He would join a long list of British-based players in the squad if called up, and even the thought of gruelling plane journeys around the world haven't put him off.
How Roberto Martinez would react to his international commitments is a question to be answered.
The Spaniard has not been a big fan of Trinidad & Tobago after they called up Swansea City's star striker Jason Scotland, only to use him sparingly.
Jet-lag has affected Scotland on his return to club duty, but Pratley feels it would be too good an opportunity to shy away from.
"I didn't really think about it much at first to be honest," he said. "When you are young you just want to play football for your club.
"But John Barnes was a brilliant player — a legend in England and Jamaica — and I am sure his team will play good football.
"That would really suit my game. I would love the opportunity to play for them — it would be a dream.
"(Barnsley's) Jamal Campbell-Ryce plays for them and while I was at Brentford Deon Burton and Jamie Lawrence always talked about going away with them.
"International football is the next step up — you are playing against the best players in the world.
"To get a cap, I wouldn't mind travelling on the plane. I know Jason arrived on the Thursday and had to play on the Friday, which is very tough. But I am only 23 and a fit guy, so I don't think it will be too tough on me.
"So, John Barnes, you can give me a ring."
It would be no surprise should Pratley be called up to a squad already boasting the likes of the Premier League's Marlon King, Ricardo Fuller and Ricardo Gardner.
He has been hugely influential in Swansea's superb start to life in the Championship.
A key figure in their League One title campaign, Pratley has continued his form into English football's second tier.
His energy and athleticism has been vital in Martinez's plans, plus he has chipped in with his fair share of goals.
But, for now, he admits he has to place full focus on club, rather than country.
"All I can do is play for Swansea and we will see what happens," said Pratley.
"It's only our first season in the Championship so I am concentrating on that for the moment. I don't want to go and pester Roberto about it.
"I'm enjoying myself more than ever at Swansea this season. We're playing some really good football and competing strongly in the Championship and that's given the players even more confidence than we had when we first came up. I know I feel full of belief this year.
"I know I'd stand a better chance of getting a call-up from Jamaica if we were in the top flight but we have a couple of Welsh internationals and a pair of Trinidad & Tobago internationals at the club, so we have players capable of making that step up from the Championship — and I feel as if I'm ready to do it myself if I get a chance.
"You never know how a player will adapt until he is given a go, but I'd like to think my game would suit international football. And to try to help Jamaica qualify for the World Cup and other big tournaments would just be incredible.
"I'll concentrate on doing my best for Swansea and, hopefully, my efforts will be good enough to lead to me playing for Jamaica."
With news of his eligibility filtering through to the Jamaican FA, Pratley would be advised to keep his phone on.
Friday, December 12, 2008, 08:00
WHEN Jamaica lit up the World Cup in France a decade ago, every kid in the Caribbean was dreaming of one day being part of the Reggae Boyz.
While that remains a pipedream for those doting supporters, for Darren Pratley it remains a reality 10 years on.
The London-born midfielder is eligible to play for Jamaica as his father's parents hail from there, which offers him a unique chance of starring on the international stage.
At the time of Jamaica's finest achievement, Pratley was a 13-year-old sharing the same hopes and ambitions of the schoolyard.
While Pratley has always known of his Jamaican descent, he admits it is something he hasn't thought about — until now.
When contacted by an agency in London enquiring of his family background, thoughts of playing under John Barnes (right) at international level sounded hugely appealing.
He would join a long list of British-based players in the squad if called up, and even the thought of gruelling plane journeys around the world haven't put him off.
How Roberto Martinez would react to his international commitments is a question to be answered.
The Spaniard has not been a big fan of Trinidad & Tobago after they called up Swansea City's star striker Jason Scotland, only to use him sparingly.
Jet-lag has affected Scotland on his return to club duty, but Pratley feels it would be too good an opportunity to shy away from.
"I didn't really think about it much at first to be honest," he said. "When you are young you just want to play football for your club.
"But John Barnes was a brilliant player — a legend in England and Jamaica — and I am sure his team will play good football.
"That would really suit my game. I would love the opportunity to play for them — it would be a dream.
"(Barnsley's) Jamal Campbell-Ryce plays for them and while I was at Brentford Deon Burton and Jamie Lawrence always talked about going away with them.
"International football is the next step up — you are playing against the best players in the world.
"To get a cap, I wouldn't mind travelling on the plane. I know Jason arrived on the Thursday and had to play on the Friday, which is very tough. But I am only 23 and a fit guy, so I don't think it will be too tough on me.
"So, John Barnes, you can give me a ring."
It would be no surprise should Pratley be called up to a squad already boasting the likes of the Premier League's Marlon King, Ricardo Fuller and Ricardo Gardner.
He has been hugely influential in Swansea's superb start to life in the Championship.
A key figure in their League One title campaign, Pratley has continued his form into English football's second tier.
His energy and athleticism has been vital in Martinez's plans, plus he has chipped in with his fair share of goals.
But, for now, he admits he has to place full focus on club, rather than country.
"All I can do is play for Swansea and we will see what happens," said Pratley.
"It's only our first season in the Championship so I am concentrating on that for the moment. I don't want to go and pester Roberto about it.
"I'm enjoying myself more than ever at Swansea this season. We're playing some really good football and competing strongly in the Championship and that's given the players even more confidence than we had when we first came up. I know I feel full of belief this year.
"I know I'd stand a better chance of getting a call-up from Jamaica if we were in the top flight but we have a couple of Welsh internationals and a pair of Trinidad & Tobago internationals at the club, so we have players capable of making that step up from the Championship — and I feel as if I'm ready to do it myself if I get a chance.
"You never know how a player will adapt until he is given a go, but I'd like to think my game would suit international football. And to try to help Jamaica qualify for the World Cup and other big tournaments would just be incredible.
"I'll concentrate on doing my best for Swansea and, hopefully, my efforts will be good enough to lead to me playing for Jamaica."
With news of his eligibility filtering through to the Jamaican FA, Pratley would be advised to keep his phone on.
Comment