Marshall glad to be back

By Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

When the Reggae Boyz take the field tomorrow in their friendly international against El Salvador inside the National Stadium, which is affectionately called 'The Office', it will not only be a joy for many die-hard fans but also for central defender Tyrone Marshall.

Marshall, who last played for the national team last year in a home game against Peru, when the Reggae Boyz were held to a 1-1 draw, said he was delighted to be back in the national team.

"It feels good to be back," said Marshall. "The last time I played was last year around this time against Peru and so it is long overdue and I am very happy again to be back at 'The Office'," added the 32-year-old who plays for Toronto FC in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS).

Marshall noted that while away from the national team he has been watching Jamaica's downward spiral on the world ranking, but is prepared to do whatever it takes to put the team back to where it once was.

good decision

He also added that he fully supported the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) choice of appointing Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore as interim head coach of the Reggae Boyz.

"I think it's a good decision because he was a professional player and he obviously knows what it takes to prepare a team over a period of time," he said.

"I really respect him and I also look up to him and hopefully we can go out there and put on a good showing for him. I think we have a good bunch of guys here who are going to go out there and perform to the best of their ability," he added.

Marshall, who was traded by the Los Angeles Galaxy to Toronto at the beginning of the MLS season, also noted he has been enjoying his football after the trade.

"It is going good for me over there in Toronto. I think it's a blessing because sometimes you need a change to get that spark in you and I am happy for it and I can't wait to get back and get going again because we have a very good side over there," he said.

Marshall was also pleased with his personal performance.

"This year was a very good year for me because I wasn't injured that much this season and I think that I am getting better because I have been taking good care of my body," he pointed out.