Orient winger confident of achieving something ‘special’ at Gold Cup with Jamaica

Jobi McAnuff’s busy summer will be continuing after it was confirmed the 33-year-old had been included in Jamaica’s 23-man squad for the Gold Cup in the United States and Canada taking place later his month.

Fresh from taking part in all three of the Reggae Boyz games in the Copa America last month, he will be involved in the Gold Cup alongside 11 other CONCACAF nations with the tournament starting on July 7 (Tuesday) and finishing on July 26 – less than two weeks before the League Two campaign starts.

East Ham’s Michael Hector, of Reading, has also been included alongside the O’s midfielder and the pair will be aiming to help Jamaica triumph on the big stage.

It means McAnuff will have plenty of match fitness for the start of the new season, but will miss out on impressing new head coach Ian Hendon first hand at Orient’s Chigwell training ground.

He is, however, relishing the prospect of representing his country again and building on their Copa America exploits.

“I love playing for Jamaica first and foremost,” said McAnuff. “It gives me a buzz every time I put on that jersey.

“The Copa America was a building block for Jamaican football to move forward with the Gold Cup coming up and the World Cup qualifiers. Hopefully we’ll do something really special.

“We need to keep the bulk of the squad together going into the Gold Cup and have a good performance there, which we’re confident of.”