The newly appointed head coach of The Gambia senior national team, Johnathan McKinstry, has outlined the criteria for player selection, emphasizing the importance of players being actively involved with their clubs before naming his squad.

The Northern Irishman has announced his squad for important games against Seychelles and Gabon this month. The Scorpions are fifth in Group F after defeats to Burundi and the Ivory Coast in their first two matches.

He underlined the significance of fitness and regular game time for the players as the Scorpions are getting ready for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Seychelles and Gabon on the horizon.

He expressed his vision of progressing the team and enhancing their performance in upcoming matches, highlighting his willingness to integrate young players and expecting them to deliver their best on the field.

He arrived in Gambia on May 25, just one week after securing Gor Mahia the Kenyan Premier League title with three league games remaining. In his two years in charge of Gor Mahia, he won both KPL League titles and the 2023-24 FKF Charity Shield.