‘It was a vibe’

RECENT REGGAE Boyz acquisitions Rumarn Burrell and Tyreece Campbell are both pleased to have played their first minutes on Jamaican soil at the National Stadium on Tuesday, when the Jamaicans took part in the country’s 3-0 win over Guatemala.

Burrell and Campbell both made cameo appearances on Tuesday, with Burrell taking to the field in the 77th minute, replacing Warner Brown, and Campbell coming on in the 83rd, replacing Renaldo Cephas.

It was the first time the two were playing at the National Stadium.

Burrell had been selected for the Unity Cup squad last month, when he debuted in London, while Campbell was making his first-ever appearance in the Jamaican colours.

Speaking after the match, Burrell said he enjoyed playing at the National Stadium in front of the Jamaican home support.

“It was great out there in front of all of Jamaica. I’m proud to be Jamaican and I’m proud to play in front of everyone. I thought the game was pretty smooth and, coming on, I just had to get up to speed with the game,” Burrell told The Gleaner.

“The atmosphere was great. Everyone was cheering when we were getting the big chances, and everyone was getting up and out of their seats. I liked the music before the game and after the game. It was a vibe.”

Campbell, who plays his club football alongside international teammate Kaheim Dixon at Charlton Athletic, said his debut was long in coming.

The 21-year-old forward has enjoyed a terrific spell of form in club football, which he credits for earning his spot in head coach Steve McClaren’s Reggae Boyz squad.

“I’m feeling happy. I was waiting for this a long time, so I’m happy to get my debut here,” Campbell said. “It’s been a good season for me. The team has done well and I have done well individually, so I’m happy to get the call up after it.”

Both players will now turn their attention to the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup, their first major international tournament with the team.

Jamaica has been drawn in Group C alongside Panama, Guatemala, and Guadeloupe, with their opening group-stage match coming against Guatemala on June 16.

Burrell is excited ahead of the tournament and believes it brings more opportunities for him to make an impact.

“I’m mad excited, and mostly since it’s in the USA. I haven’t been there in ages, so it’s good to play out there,” he said. “Mostly, it’s just taking the chances and looking forward to playing with the team again.”

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com