By Charles Watts From getreading

Royals’ winger, along with Michael Hector, is part of Winfried Schafer’s 23-man squad for the tournament in Chile

Garath McCleary has spoken of his pride as he jets out to line up for Jamaica in this month’s Copa America.

Reading’s winger, along with teammate Michael Hector, is part of Winfried Schafer’s 23-man squad for the tournament which gets underway in Chile on June 11.

Jamaica, who are invited guests at the event, are the first Caribbean nation ever to play in the prestigious international showpiece.

And for McCleary, who scored a famous goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal last season, it will be another special moment in a career which started in non-league football.

“When he (Schafer) told us we were going to be picked to play in the Copa América I felt so much pride,” said the 28-year-old.

“Especially considering that is the first time that any Caribbean nation will be competing in the tournament.

“I think it’s going to be really tough, but it’s a really great opportunity to pit our wits against some of the best teams in the world.”

Jamaica get their Copa America campaign underway on June 13 with a game against Uruguay in Group B.

They then face Paraguay on June 16 before taking on Lionel Messi’s Argentina on June 20.

The Reggae Boyz go into the tournament as massive underdogs, but they can be buoyed by a recent success against South American opponents.

They beat Venezuela 2-1 in March and McCleary believes they can take a lot of confidence from that performance.

“We actually had a lot more chances than the 2-1 scoreline might suggest,” he said.

“We could really have beaten them by a few more goals.

“It was a great game for us, we played really well against a team we know will be hoping to at least get past the group stage in the Copa America.

“That victory really stands us in good stead for the competition.”

McCleary added: “Things are looking up for Jamaican football and hopefully we can show exactly what we can do on a stage as big as the Copa América.

“Towards the end of the last World Cup qualifiers we were already under Winfried Schafer and he went on to lead us to the Caribbean Cup, and we have kept the core of a very good squad.

“Hopefully we can all stay together for a long time and continue to gel.”

IMAGE: Pic by Eddie Greville Garath McCleary celebrates Reading’s goal against Arsenal Garath McCleary will face Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina in the group stages of the Copa America.

For more on this story go to: http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-star-garath-mccleary-9395929