Sport

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The door is open for national striker Marlon King to rejoin the Reggae Boyz whenever head coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitemore decides to call him.

This is the word from Captain Horace Burrell, president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

"We are not barring out any player from our squad and, as it relates to Marlon King, we are about helping to build strong characters within young people and, if one of our members falls out of line, it is our responsibility to help that player," said Burrell in an interview with The Gleaner on Sunday night, following the Reggae Boyz 1-0 win over Costa Rica.

The 30-year-old King was convicted for assault last October, but was released last month after serving half the 18-month jail term.

Help him

"He has paid the penalty dearly and he has already served a hefty penalty for his actions and, therefore, we should try to rehabilitate him than to try and destroy him," Burrell said.

"We must help him to build back his life and this is what we believe in. Football is not only about senior players kicking the ball on the field, but we have to help them in every aspect and in every phase of their lives," said Burrell.

King, who has had disciplinary issues at the national level before, has scored 10 goals in his 18 appearances for the Reggae Boyz.

He last represented Jamaica in 2008, against Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium.

Burrell stated that it is now up to Whitmore and his coaching staff to select the best 11 players to represent the national team.

"We said that once he served the punishment meted out to him then, certainly, we are not going to make it worse for him and keep him out in the cold," Burrell exclaimed.

"Wherever they play their football matters not. The important thing is that we have the best talent on the field of play and, therefore, it is left up to the coach to invite whomever he wants to," Burrell reasoned.

King's contract was cancelled by Wigan Athletic after he was been convicted last year.

He is currently in negotiations and could sign soon with Coventry City, which has shown huge interest in the striker.