RSPL is a last resort – Burke

National striker Cory Burke said even though he is now training with Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) champions Portmore United, playing in the local premier league this season would be a last resort for him.

The 27-year-old Philadelphia Union forward, who has been sidelined since May because of US immigration issues, was recently named to Theodore Whitmore's training squad for the Concacaf Nations League. He told STAR Sports that his agent Damani Ralph and Union's sporting director, Ernst Tanner, have been working to get him playing again; however, his situation has prevented him from taking up a number of offers that haD come his way. Although playing in the local league is an option, he insists it would be his last.

"I am not playing but I am still in training," he said. "I train with Portmore United and now I am here with the national team. But my agent and sporting director at Philadelphia are all working very hard to try to get me to start working again, so I am waiting on the next two days to hear what's up.

"I have had some offers, but because of the situation I was unable to take up any of those. But if anything does not come, I might be here playing, but that would be the last option. Once I am in action, that's what matters most. What has happened is in the past and I have to let that go and focus on what is in front of me right now," he stated.

COACH IMPRESSED

The former Rivoli United forward was one of the few players who impressed coach Whitmore with his fitness level at the ongoing training camp, and the player insists he is taking nothing for granted and wants to make the most of the invitation, even though he is a bit short of match practice.

"I am just here to show the coaches that I am still able to match up with the guys overseas and I am ready any time I am called. Once I am here, I will give my all for the country and the team. I might be a bit rusty, but once I go out with the same frame of mind and work ethic things will be good for me. I am not here to take anything for granted. I am here to put in the work and show the coaches that I can still match up with the guys overseas, do my best and try to be in the last cut for the upcoming games," he said.

Burke will be looking to get into Whitmore's team for Jamaica's clash with Antigua and Barbuda at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Friday, September 6.