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Injury pushes new Boy Gray to play for Jamaica
September 08, 2023
Reggae Boyz' recruit Tayvon Gray is quickly adapting to his new environment, and the exciting 21-year-old admitted that he was compelled to switch allegiance from the United States of America after being overlooked in their recent matches.
According to Gray, he is comfortable among his new national teammates despite all jostling for positions in coach Heimir Hallgrimsson's starting team, which he believes is part of a competitive environment.
He is working to control his play in the Reggae Boyz set-up when handed the opportunity by Hallgrimsson, whom he admitted has the ultimate decision.
"I'm comfortable and composed as once you're in this environment, you will get accustomed to it. I think it's a normal competitive environment around the group, and I like it, personally. At the end of the day, it's down to the coach in what he wants to do, but all I can do is show my talent," Gray shared.
Gray made 18 appearances for the USA's under-17 and argued that his senior team involvement was derailed after being hurt during one of their training camps, which assisted his fall in their pecking order.
"I had one call-up to the USA senior team, and then in camp, I got hurt, and after that, I never got contacted. Jamaica then reached out to me, so I took the opportunity. It was pretty straightforward," he said.
Hallgrimsson is anticipating Gray's offerings to the Reggae Boyz and shared that apart from his on-field prowess, the player brings a heightened vibe to the members.
"He's young, and he's got a lot of years ahead of him for Jamaica. We're happy that he chose to play for Jamaica, and seeing this guy, he's always smiling, so he brings a good vibe into the squad. That's not less important than what he produces and gives you on the pitch," coach Hallgrimsson said.
Meanwhile, Gray, who plies his trade in the USA's Major League Soccer (MLS) for New York City football club, admits to being excited about Jamaica's opening fixture in the Concacaf Nation League against Honduras on Friday. He said his main focus would be Jamaica gaining maximum points from the encounter.
"I'm excited, and I honestly just want the three points, and that's just it. I was 17 when I signed for New York City, so I've been in the professional environment for a while now," he shared.
