Morgan commits to play for Canada

Gordon Williams, Gleaner Writer

TORONTO, Canada:

A promising young Canadian footballer with strong Jamaican roots has committed his international future to the land of his birth, after earlier admitting he would not rule out playing for the Reggae Boyz.

Ashtone Morgan, a bright prospect with Toronto F.C. (TFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS), North America's top competition, confirmed he is now focused on playing strictly for Canada.

The speedy fullback, who turned 20 in February, has already represented the country at several youth levels. The Toronto native has drawn favourable comparisons in looks and playing style to Chelsea and England's Ashley Cole.

TFC starter

Late last year, Morgan caught the eye of members of Jamaica's coaching staff while playing friendly games for Canada's under-23 team, which was staying at the same hotel as Jamaica's senior team.

He recently moved into a starting role with TFC and, on August 27, played a solid, full MLS game against visiting San José Earthquakes.

However, he has made it clear that his emergence as a player is unlikely to benefit Jamaica.

"I don't think it's gonna happen," Morgan said, following TFC's draw with the Earthquakes, a game where he made several blistering runs down the left flank.

"I'm Canadian all the way now. My mind is made up now."

Morgan said the decision to play for Canada was made earlier this year. His country's investment in his playing career was a big motivating factor.

"Been with Canada's national programme for a while," Morgan explained. "So it's gonna be Canada. It's all set. If they call me, I will go."

So far, with Canada's 2014 World Cup qualifications kicking off in September, he has not received a senior team invitation. But late last year Morgan wasn't as decisive.

He talked about keeping his international options "open".

He, along with two other Canadian youth internationals with strong Jamaican connections - Kyle Porter and Sean Hart - said his Jamaican-style upbringing and closeness to the culture made a future with the Reggae Boyz tempting.

Morgan's father Wayne, who encouraged him early to play football, is from Kingston. But up to late last year Ashtone had visited Jamaica once. Still, when Jamaica played Canada in a World Cup qualifier at TFC's BMO Field in 2008, the teenager wore a Jamaican jersey to the game, although he owned a Canadian shirt as well.

TFC's current roster includes two Jamaica internationals - Ryan Johnson and Dicoy Williams. But the team also features Canada international Julian de Guzman, whose mother is from Jamaica.

The scales now appear more balanced. And while Morgan will probably never give up his love for jerk chicken, it seems he is ready to roll with the Maple Leaf instead of the Black, Green and Gold.