Ximines confident of U20 World Cup berth

Jamaica Under-20 men's team wing back Tarick Ximines has high expectation of himself and the team for the Concacaf Under-20 Championship final round, from June 18 - July 3 in Honduras.

Ximines, the most experienced player in the squad having already represented the senior team, says he expects to contribute as much on the offensive end as on defence and believes the squad is even more talented than the previous one that missed out on a semi-final spot on goal difference to Mexico at the last tournament. For this reason, he believes the Young Reggae Boyz must qualify for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

I don't think we are going to qualify. I know we are going to qualify, I just feel it," Ximines told STAR Sports. "Everything in the camp is good and we have a very good coach (Marcel Gayle)."

He said playing and training with the senior national team has improved his game in numerous ways and he believes he has an important role to play if the team is to be successful.

"I have learned a lot with the senior team," he said. "Chris [Pearson] and I are now back with the younger group in the U20s and I think we have a good chance. The team is a pretty good team and there is not much to worry about. I love to attack, and as I am an attacking minded player you have to expect that from me. So I like to go forward. Even though I am a right back and a defender, attacking is my thing."

Ximines is already thinking about what the tournament can do for his prospects of being scouted.

"Being at my best can earn me a good contract at this point in time," he said. "For the past 11 months, I have been doing well, people have been seeing me and knowing me. So this is a great opportunity to go out and expose myself to different scouts and teams and get a contract.

"We have a good team that can qualify. We just need to go out and play with our hearts and play with honour and use our heads and get the job done."

Ximines started the Jamaica Premier League season with Harbour View but transferred to Mount Pleasant mid-season after being dissatisfied with his playing time at the east Kingston club. He has netted two goals this season.

The tournament runs from June 18 to July 3 in Honduras and the team leaves the island today and tomorrow.