‘It would mean a lot to me’

Daniel Russell, Portmore United F.C goalkeeper, has been eagerly awaiting his international debut, and after getting his first call up against Grenada recently, the 25-year-old is hoping his opportunity comes when the Reggae Boyz face Martinique in an international friendly on Saturday.

Russell had been outstanding for Portmore between the stick this season and was rewarded with his first call up against Grenada in January.

However, the former Jamaica College Manning Cup winner, said he and his family have been dreaming of his international debut, and he is hoping it comes when they go up against Martinique later this month.

“It would mean a lot to me. It would mean a lot to my family. We have been waiting on this chance, from I was growing up from a tender age I have been waiting to play for my country and I just want to go out and make my country proud,” he said.

“I have been working to receive that call up to train with the national team and to work hard and get a debut one day.

“So I’m looking forward to this game and I am looking forward to going out and get the experience and express myself and do my best.”

Russell said getting the opportunity to train with ‘top-level goalkeepers’ such as Andre Blake and Jahmali Waite, has also been invaluable to his continued development.

“The camp has been good so far and me, myself, I’m good. Getting along with the guys, having fun and staying focused for the game ahead.

“It has been a good experience for me. It’s a good experience because they are top-level goalkeepers and what I don’t know, sometimes they help me. They help me with my technique. They help me to stay focused in training and improve myself,” he said.

From 23 matches this season, Russell has kept 13 cleansheets with Portmore United, boasting the second best defensive record, 16 goals conceded, which is only bettered by Mount Pleasant, who have been breached defensively only nine times this season.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com