In a decision that has sparked renewed interest and debate among fans, Ravel Morrison has been named to the Reggae Boyz squad for the upcoming Unity Cup, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) confirmed on Monday.

The announcement comes despite recent public statements from head coach Steve McClaren, who had previously ruled out Morrison’s inclusion due to concerns over the standard of the league he currently plays in and the lack of visibility around his performances. Morrison, 32, is currently based in the third tier of UAE football—a competition McClaren had described as insufficiently competitive for international selection.

Speaking at a media briefing held recently, McClaren was unequivocal in explaining why Morrison had not been considered up to that point.

“When we called him up for the US [Nations League quarterfinal game] just to get him involved, I said to him that ‘we need you playing in a tough competition where you can get up to the standard where you're demonstrating week after week.’ he said. "Now, the Dubai third division is not of that standard. There is no way that I can even watch him on video. There’s no way I can see him because the league does not have footage. So therefore, I don’t know what level he is playing at because I haven’t seen the level.”

That assessment came with an acknowledgment of Morrison’s pedigree, but McClaren remained firm that national team selection was about current form—not past accomplishments.

“This is not about the past; we are living in the now and moving forward. So when I look around at the players, the first thing I check is what league they are playing in and what the quality of football is like in that league. So that standard dictates where that player is at in the present moment, and Ravel is not where we want him to be at the present moment,” the Reggae Boyz gaffer explained.

In fact, McClaren had gone to great lengths to explain that while Morrison’s technical ability and personality were admired—especially from their time together at Derby County—those qualities had not recently been demonstrated at the level required for international football.

“Yeah, it’s tough making decisions, and that’s my job. I’m not excluding Ravel from the squad because he has not been in the squad since I’ve been here or long before that. I totally agree about his qualities, but do I see that now? No. Because it is not demonstrated to me now.”

“The Dubai League is totally different than playing in the JPL. It’s not the standard of that. The JPL is equivalent to what we play in the Caribbean, and so therefore, they can adapt to that type of football. I apologize to everybody, but I can’t pick him purely because I haven’t seen him, and I don’t know what level of quality or fitness he is at.”

And yet, despite those remarks, Morrison has now found his way into McClaren’s squad for the Unity Cup.

The Jamaica Football Federation offered no official explanation for the reversal, leaving room for speculation. It's unclear whether Morrison's inclusion is due to squad injuries, tactical adjustments, impressive private training performances, or a shift in the coaching staff’s thinking. What is clear, however, is that McClaren—who had previously championed standards above sentiment—is now giving Morrison the opportunity to re-establish himself in national colours.

In a prior quote, McClaren did not hide his admiration for the player’s raw ability and character.

“I love Ravel. I worked with him for a year at Derby County, and I know exactly the kind of quality he brings. He has a fantastic personality and tremendous skill, and there will be nothing better for me than to be able to pick Ravel at the top of his game.”

That chance has now arrived.

The Unity Cup may serve as a proving ground not just for Morrison, but also for McClaren’s evolving approach—where experience, trust, and past relationships can sometimes earn a player a second look, even when the metrics suggest otherwise.

For Morrison, it is a door reopened. For McClaren, it’s a calculated risk. For Jamaica, it could be the midfield spark they’ve been missing.