As part of the preparations, the Boyz will play three friendly internationals. The first will be against Haiti on Saturday, May 23, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

According to coach John Barnes the "composition of the squad will be largely local-based". After getting into camp on May 18, the Boyz will sharpen their skills until they depart for Fort Lauderdale two days before the scheduled encounter.

Upon their return from Fort Lauderdale, the players will take a day's break before returning to camp on Monday, May 25, where they will remain until they depart two days before they meet El Salvador at the RFK Stadium in Washington.

With these two games not falling on FIFA dates only the available international players will be invited. This means that a number of local-based players, as was the case in the Digicel Caribbean Championships, will get a chance to feature. The absence of the overseas-based players is not a major concern for coach Barnes.

Not unduly perturbed

"I am not unduly perturbed that we may not have the European-based players for the first two games. What I am trying to create with this national team is a template that my players will understand. Personnel may change but our system and style of play will not necessarily change," declared Barnes.

The third friendly against Panama, to be played at the National Stadium on June 7, should see the Reggae Boyz squad at full strength, as overseas-based players free of injury will be invited as the game takes place on a FIFA date. For this game, the invited players will assemble for camp on June 1.