ENGLISHMAN Stephen Constantine is said to be the front runners to succeed Theodore Whitmore as head coach of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz as they look to go into battle against Panama in September.

Constantine, 50, was recently in the island as a FIFA coaching instructor, and Jamaica Observer sources revealed he is very much interested in the job and is being seriously considered.

“I can tell you that Captain (Horace Burrell) is looking for an overseas coach and he (Constantine) is being considered,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Last month Constantine was the main lecturer in the Jamaica Football Federation/JMMB/UTech Advanced Level Two coaching course and comes with a wealth of experience, having coached a various levels across the globe.

“He is really interested in the job and his resume is not bad,” said the JFF source.

Constantine has managed the national sides of Nepal (1999-2001), India (2002-05), Malawi (2007-08) and Sudan in 2009. He has been first team coach of the English Championship side Millwall for the 2005-06 season.

Most recently, he managed Nea Salamis in the Cypriot First Division, after guiding them to promotion from the Cypriot Second Division. He holds the UEFA pro licence, and, as a member of FIFA’s elite coaches’ panel, runs courses around the world for coaches and instructors.

JFF president Burrell has been tight-lipped about Whitmore’s successor, saying only that he will name a head coach in time to lead the Boyz into battle against Panama.

Jamaica has been without a head coach after Whitmore opted to resign following the Reggae Boyz 0-2 defeat to Honduras which left them with a slim chance of qualifying for the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

If successful in his application, Constantine will have little time in rallying his troops for the World Cup qualifier against Panama away on September 6.

Jamaica are currently at the bottom of the CONCACAF six-team group on two points from six games and with four matches remaining, but still have an outside chance of finishing in the top four.

The USA lead the table with 13 points ahead of Costa Rica on 11 and the mighty Mexico with eight. Honduras are next with seven points with Panama one point adrift on six points.

The top three teams will automatically qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, while the fourth-placed team goes into a play-off with the Oceania’s champion for the final spot.