STEVE MCCLAREN is bidding to guide Jamaica to just their second World Cup finals next summer.
But first, the former England boss must get past his old Manchester United protege Dwight Yorke.
The pair worked together at Old Trafford between 1999 and 2001, as McClaren assisted Sir Alex Ferguson.
Now the pair are attempting to navigate World Cup qualifying – with McClaren in charge of the Reggae Boyz and Yorke coaching Trinidad and Tobago.
Both nations are attempting to become the first Caribbean side to qualify for two World Cup finals.
And with two matches left in Concacaf Group B, things are hotting up.
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Jamaica currently sit atop the group with nine points from four games – one above Curacao, who are coached by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat.
Trinidad are then on five points, with Bermuda already eliminated on zero.
Only the group winner will automatically qualify for the World Cup, although the runner-up will likely enter a play-off.
Yorke’s side almost certainly have to win both matches to remain in contention. On Thursday night they will host rivals Jamaica at a sold-out 23,000-capacity Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain looking to keep their dream alive.
Speaking to The Times, Yorke revealed his incredible admiration for McClaren.
The 54-year-old said: “He was one of the people I reached out to when I was doing my Pro Licence and he helped me go the Asia Cup in Qatar as a technical observer for Fifa alongside himself, Arsene Wenger and Jurgen Klinsmann, which was great learning.
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“Our relationship is more than just an ex-player and coach.
“And here we are, with the rivalry between these countries, battling to qualify for the World Cup. You couldn’t predict that 15, 20 years ago.”
Yorke played a key role in United’s Treble success in 1999 – but counts captaining his country to so far their only World Cup appearance in 2006 as a greater achievement.
The former striker is assisted by ex-team-mate Russell Latapy, as well as former Man Utd youth boss Neil Wood.
In the opposite dugout on Thursday night, McClaren will also be desperate to guide his adopted nation to the World Cup finals.
Jamaica have not qualified for the finals since 1998.
On what it means, McClaren said this week: “Jamaicans on this island and all over the world would be so proud if we can achieve this. Everybody’s goal was World Cup qualification and we’re on the brink.
“We’ve had our ups and downs. Successes and failures. Highs and lows. And it all boils down to this.
“Bedding down our principles and what we have been trying to do. What we want and expect from each other. These games are all about attitude, fight and will to win.”
Group B fixtures
Thursday, 13 November:
Trinidad and Tobago vs Jamaica
Bermuda vs Curacao
Tuesday, 18 November:
Jamaica vs Curacao
Trinidad and Tobago vs Bermuda
Despite currently topping the group Jamaica face a fight to stay there.
In addition to travelling to Port of Spain for what will be a do-or-die match for their opponents, the Reggae Boyz will then have to host Curacao next week.
The match is likely to be a brilliant winner-takes-all contest, with Curacao almost certain to win in Bermuda on Thursday night.
McClaren has plenty of England-based talent at his disposal.
Members of his squad include the likes of Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Demarai Gray, Rico Henry and Ethan Pinnock.
Yorke knows that his side will be underdogs, but that won’t halt their belief.
“It doesn’t come any bigger than our rivalry,” the Trinidad boss vowed.
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“It’s England versus Scotland and we’re Scotland, let’s be clear. Jamaica is ahead, but the rankings are not significant to us.”
Whoever qualifies out of Group B are likely to become one of the neutrals’ darlings at next summer’s tournament.
Read the full article here
