Adrian Mariappa (left) and Michael Hector (right) embrace goalscorer Darren Mattocks during the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in July. - File

Shayne Fairman, STAR Writer

Jamaica's Adrian Mariappa has hailed fellow Reggae Boy Michael Hector as a special talent after the 23-year-old Reading defender was snapped up by Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea on Tuesday's final day of the English transfer window.

"For someone so young, he has a lot of composure and a good head on him. He's already a very accomplished player, and I think he's going to be somebody special going forward," Mariappa said on arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport on Tuesday, ahead of tomorrow's CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Central American minnows Nicaragua.

Mariappa, who plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, said Hector's signing by Chelsea was "massive".

"It's obviously a massive thing for him to get there as a Jamaican player," Mariappa told STAR Sports.

"I think anyone who has watched him as a young player knows his goals and that he has quality to go to the very top. He has got all the qualities and attributes about him, and I am proud about him finding his way, and hopefully he can do well at such a big club," he continued.

Hector has played in six international games for Jamaica, and made 49 appearances for Reading in all competitions last season. He will not turn out for Chelsea anytime soon, however, as he will remain at Reading on loan until the end of the 2015-16 season.

The outstanding centre half is expected to feature for Jamaica against Nicaragua tomorrow.