‘To score for my country is a crazy feeling’

2 months ago 10

HAVING SCORED his first international goal on debut for the Reggae Boyz against Trinidad & Tobago in the Unity Cup, Rumarn Burrell is ready to make even more memories with the national programme.

Burrell earned his first call-up to Steve McClaren’s squad following his impressive season with English Football League (EFL) League One club Burton Albion.

The striker quickly proved why he had earned his spot in the squad, scoring his first goal less than hour into his debut in Jamaica’s 3-2 win over Trinidad and Tobago in their opening game of the Unity Cup.

He would again start in the final against Nigeria, playing 60 minutes in Jamaica’s 5-4 penalty shoot-out defeat.

In an interview with Burton Albion after the final, Burrell described his debut goal as a “dream come true” in front of a terrific crowd.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s been crazy. To score my first goal is a dream come true and just being here around all the players has been a great experience. To score for my country is a crazy feeling,” he said.

“The atmosphere is different from league football. It felt like there were 50,000 people in here today. The vibes and the culture on display here today was amazing to see.”

For Burrell, the nature of the goal perhaps made it more special.

The striker was in the right place at the right time to capitalise on a Kasey Palmer shot at goal which was parried into his path — his acrobatic overhead kick to adjust sending the fans into rapture.

“It was indescribable, really,” he described the goal.

“An overhead kick is pretty special, you definitely take those when you get them. It was a dream come true, that’s the only way I can describe it.”

Burrell said he feels welcomed by the squad and has easily bonded with the players around him.

Now, as the Reggae Boyz turn their attention to the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers and Concacaf Gold Cup, he is ready to cement his place in the national programme.

Jamaica will face the British Virgin Islands on June 7 before taking on Guatemala on June 10 in World Cup qualifying action.

They will then begin their Gold Cup journey in Group C, where they have been drawn alongside Panama, Guatemala and Martinique.

“It was easy to gel in with the boys, we’re like a big family. We pray together, we train together, and are around each other 24/7, so it was easy to get to know everyone,” he said.

“I am definitely looking for more. I thought I put a good performance in on my debut, got the goal, and today I tried to build on that. I’ll hopefully gain more experience at this level over time, and keep on going.

“We have an amazing coach. He gives us easy instructions for what he wants on the pitch, and I’m really enjoying working under him. We have qualifiers coming up, we just need to build on today, and from Tuesday night as well.”

Burrell’s future with the Boyz seems bright as he has earned high praises from head coach Steve McClaren.

The Reggae Boyz boss described the striker as a hard worker who could bring a new dimension to the team’s attacking options.

Burrell has also been named in McClaren’s preliminary 60-man squad, from which the final squad of players for the Gold Cup will be selected.

“He’s done so well, hasn’t he? He came to our attention five or six months ago, we kept an eye on him, and when we were putting the squad together, we drafted him in,” McClaren spoke of his new striker.

“He’s a goalscorer, a poacher, but what I love about him is that he’s a worker. He works so hard, he runs behind but then helps out defensively every time. He got his goal on Tuesday, it’s been a great week for him.”

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

Read Entire Article