Speid, Price impressed by Ravel

T wo games with the Reggae Boyz were enough for Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) technical committee chairman Rudolph Speid and Humble Lion head coach Andrew Price to determine that Ravel Morrison will play a big role for the senior squad going forward.

The 27-year-old Morrison made his long-awaited debut last month during the national senior men's team two-game tour of Saudi Arabia after a five-year wait. The Manchester United academy product came on as a second-half substitute in their first game which the Boyz lost 3-0, but started in the following game which they won 2-1.

Speid said that with all the anticipation of what his play would bring to the team, he was sold based on his performance in the second game.

"I think Ravel Morrison, I was one of those wondering what he was going to turn up with, but you can see that he was pure class. He is a really good addition to the Jamaican team now," Speid told STAR Sports

Morrison's club career has involved moves to several different clubs in England, Sweden, Mexico and Italy, not being able to find stability during his travels. While he had a quiet debut in the first game, Price said that he improved in his first start despite carrying an injury into the series.

"You saw him more relaxed and a more involved Ravel Morrison, and he definitely will add something to the team. He definitely showed his class and he was a cut above the rest in that final game," Price said. "[The fact that he was carrying a knock throughout the entire two-game tour even shows the quality that the young man has, and I think he has a lot to offer the team."

Morrison is currently back with his club team, ADO Den Haag of the Netherlands, who he signed a one-year deal with in September. Ahead of a crucial 2021 which includes the Gold Cup and the final round of World Cup qualifying, Price says that Morrison's skill set will give Whitmore tactical options to bring out the potential of the squad.

"He can play anywhere within that midfield role. I think that Coach Whitmore will want him to play more attacking midfielder but he can also play a more box-to-box midfielder. He has a lot of variety that can be utilised by the team, and I think he is a welcomed addition," Price said.