Ricardo Gardner ... will turn out for Boyz tonight. - file

by LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

The Reggae Boyz will look to rebound from their 2-0 loss to Switzerland on Thursday by beating Panama in tonight's friendly at the National Stadium, starting at 8:00.

While Sheffield United's Luton Shelton and Bolton Wanderers' Ricardo Gardner are in the island for the match, Gardner is the only player confirmed to join the squad, according to technical director Bora Milutinovic.

The Reggae Boyz conceded two early goals against 17th ranked Switzerland, their first match against a highly ranked team under Bora. The coach said he was not disappointed by the loss as he saw a better performance in the second half, and added that it was important to remember the team's objective and not isolate the results.

"Our goal is clear, to go to the World Cup. To do this we need to work hard, to have patience, to support our players," said Bora.

"We need to play, that is important, and I hope that the people from Jamaica grow to understand what is our goal."

Gardner will make a grand return to the National Stadium after a three-year absence. His last home game was a 0-0 draw against El Salvador on October 13, 2004. Today's game will also be the first home match for Bora since being appointed technical director last November. With only one, or possibly two, new players in the squad not many changes are expected.

Jamaica's MVP in the Switzerland game, Richard McCallum, who ensured the defeat was modest, should remain in goal.

The Harbour View strike pair of Kavin Bryan and Fabian Taylor failed to produce sufficient scoring opportunities against Switzerland and the introduction of Shelton could yield better results.

Bora may also reshuffle his midfielders as they failed to maintain possession and provided the forwards little option.

The Panamanians, ranked 54th in the world, should be in good form, having played six international games since the start of the year, winning three and drawing the others.

They also have a record of three wins, four draws and one loss against Jamaica. Panama is coached by Brazilian-born Alexandre Borges Guimaraes.