Winning Gold Cup key to rankings - Phillips

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Overseas-based Reggae Boy Demar Phillips said winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup must be a top priority for Jamaica if they are to improve their FIFA world rankings.

"I think that we need to win the Gold Cup in July because the ranking is very important and if we win, the rankings will help the players who are not playing in England to get contracts over there," Phillips said in an interview with The Gleaner following his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.

Also arriving with Phillips was his clubmate, Khari Stephenson, of Norwegian team Aalesunds, along with Jamal Campbell-Rice of English Championships side Barnsley, and Rudolph Austin, ahead of Sunday's friendly international against Panama.

The Reggae Boyz slipped six places, from 70 to 76, in the latest rankings which was released by FIFA yesterday.

Phillips, the busy left-sided midfielder who sometimes plays at left back, last represented Jamaica at the Digicel Caribbean Championships in December last year. He said he is looking forward to Sunday's match.

Competitive squad

"I am going out there to do my best because I always bring my 'A' game whenever I wear the national colours," he said.

"It is not going to just be me alone, it's a team game and so the team has to go out there on Sunday and do its best.

"We have a very competitive squad and everyone will have to go out and show the coach what they can do," Phillips added.

Pertaining to pro football, Phillips said he has been adapting well to the rigours of the Norwegian top competition.

"It is a very competitive league and you have to be very strong and physical in Norway because they play similar to the England style of game," said Phillips.

"I just have to always make sure that whenever I go out on the pitch, I always do my best."