Gordon gives high marks to Gray, Bernard

Assistant coach for the Reggae Boyz, Merron Gordon, says newcomers Demarai Gray and defender Di’Shon Bernard impressed him during the Gold Cup tournament

“I think Gray was a good addition to the team,” he said shortly after the local contingent returned to the island yesterday. Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were knocked out of the Concacaf Gold Cup on Wednesday night following a 3-0 defeat by Mexico in the semifinals.

“Bernard was also a great addition. Those are the two new ones I think came out and did their best,” Gordon added.

Gray, a winger, started all five of Jamaica’s games and finished the tournament with two goals and two assists and was, for many fans, Jamaica’s player of the tournament along with Andre Blake.

Former Manchester United youth player Bernard, who is currently without a club, was solid in defence for the Reggae Boyz throughout. He helped the team keep three clean sheets and even got on the scoresheet himself.

Gordon also believes the coaching staff is grooming youngster Dujaun ‘Whisper’ Richards in the right way and that the 17-year-old will become a valuable asset to the national team in the future.

The Jamaican starlet played three games at the tournament, twice in the group stage and the final minutes against Mexico.

Many local football fans believe it was a bit too early at this level for the former Kingston College youngster who ended the tournament with one goal but Gordon said it was a good learning exercise for the young player.

“He is a young kid and you have to be careful how we blood him. I think we are using him in the right way and giving him the chances we think are necessary for him. He is definitely a future player for us and we want to groom him as best as possible,” he added.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com