Everton’s Demarai Gray made an instant impact in his Jamaica men’s national team debut at the weekend against the United States and the 27-year-old followed that up with a Man of the Match performance on his birthday last night.
Gray registered his first international brace in the Reggae Boyz’s 4-1 Concacaf Gold Cup victory over Trinidad & Tobago in St Louis, Missouri. The Blues attacker, who recently made the 'exciting' decision to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica, celebrated his birthday in style.
He said: “It was a really important three points for us. We dropped a few points in the last match against the United States after being in front for most of the match, but tonight was important and to score four goals tonight, this group might come down to goal difference.
“I think we could’ve been more ruthless in front of goal, but the points are most important.”
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Gray needed only 14 minutes to boost Jamaica in front 1-0 at CITYPARK, receiving a pass in the box from Leon Bailey before drilling a low shot into the bottom-right corner. It marked Gray’s second consecutive match with a goal contribution after assisting once in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with the United States.
After Bailey had doubled Jamaica’s lead just three minutes later, Gray delivered his second goal of the match thanks to strong work in the box from Michail Antonio. Antonio was played in behind the Trinidad & Tobago backline before passing across the box to a wide-open Gray for an easy finish.
Despite the Soca Warriors’ consolation goal in the second half, 17-year-old Chelsea new boy Dujuan Richards added a fourth and final goal for Jamaica to become their youngest ever goalscorer at the Gold Cup.
Gray also finished with 8/11 duels won, three dribbles completed, and two tackles completed in a strong performance. The result marked Jamaica’s first victory since defeating Surinam 3-1 in Concacaf Nations League play in June 2022.
After joining both Antonio and Bailey as recent Jamaica commitments over the two years, Gray’s long-term potential is bringing plenty of excitement to head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. He said: "We started talking about him coming to Jamaica two years ago.
"You're just seeing more of what he can do with the ball and taking players on. It will take time to get into the tactics, but it was a good birthday present for him and I'm happy he could contribute tonight."
Gray and Jamaica will face Saint Kitts and Nevis on Sunday in their final group stage match at the Gold Cup. The Reggae Boyz are second in Group A on four points, sitting behind the United States on goal difference.
