with Joel Crosskill

I DON'T know about you but whenever a Caribbean athlete or sportsperson makes it to the highest level, I'm overwhelmed with pride.

Just knowing that their sporting talent originated from our bloodline is an inspiration and further proof that this region really is special.

My appreciation even extends to those defective athletes who cross the Caribbean Sea to represent other shores. Though it's always interesting to note how readily many of these large, first-world countries are willing to embrace our talented athletes as their own when they bring home the championships and medals, the moment anything untoward is reported - they're immediately converted to an athlete of Caribbean descent.

So I decided to flip that coin, and look at some of the BPL's more famous faces but lesser known for their Caribbean heritage (before they get themselves into any Ben Johnson situations).

ARSENAL VS DERBY

This fixture puts CARICOM to shame, bringing together five players of Caribbean descent:Arsenal: When Theo Walcott was first called up to the England squad, rumours flew that he was related to cricket great Clyde Walcott; not so, he's actually Jamaican!

William Gallas is of Guadeloupian descent.

Derby:

Michael Johnson, Darren Moore and Claude Davis are all Jamaica-born defenders.

FULHAM VS MAN CITY

Fulham need to start scouting in the Caribbean a bit as they've only managed to get one West Indian - Soca Warrior stopper Tony Warner.

Manchester City:

Micah Richards' outstanding defensive performances this and last season have earned him a call-up to the England senior team but what was not advertised is his Kittitian parentage.

Darius Vassell - a tireless worker up front for both Villa and Man. City was probably taught that work ethic by his Jamaican parents.

MAN UTD VS CHELSEA

West Indians on a whole are known for popping up in unusual and prestigious places (nb. Colin Powell) so it should come as no surprise that two of the world's largest clubs couldn't resist a little West Indian spice.

Man Utd's coolest customer, Rio Ferdinand, is actually of St. Lucian extraction.

Ashley Cole must adore playing at Chelsea, something about Barbadians loving blue I think.And Shaun Wright-Phillips, the adopted son of ex-Arsenal great Ian Wright could call either Jamaica or Grenada the land of his forefathers.

Email Joel at jcrosskill@ sportsmax.tv