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Ricochet · 01-10-2003, 07:43 PM

http://www.turfmonster.com/articles/...&ArticleID=998

Jamaica make their move for Ralph

Chicago's young hot shot Damani Ralph has been called up by Jamaica for their international friendly against Brazil in Leicester, England, on October 12.

The Fire striker - who has been in amazing form in his first professional season with Chicago - has been mulling over a fast-track international career, or to wait for his chance to get into the US national team.

“You always want to play for your native country, but at the same time you want to do what's best for your future,” he said. “From what I hear, I'm eligible to play for both countries. I think either way, I'll be able to fit in pretty easily.”

With 11 goals for the Eastern Conference leaders this season, Ralph has now started to drawn attention from his home country. His agent, Patrick McCabe of First Artist, recently noted that the US national team has yet to get in touch.

"We are open to exploring both options but there has not been any contact from US Soccer and we would need to hear something from Bruce Arena or US Soccer officials for us to explore that route seriously," said McCabe.

Recently, Jamaican defender Tyrone Marshall - who plays for Los Angeles, advised Ralph to wait for US citizenship and aim for a place in Bruce Arena's team.

“Even if I did become a (US) citizen, I would feel more Jamaican than American, from the standpoint that I grew up there for 20 years of my life," Ralph added. "But, at the same time, I'm here and I've adapted to the American system.

“I wouldn't look at it as backstabbing; I'd look at it as looking out for my future. In life, everybody has a chance to make their choice and if you make it, you've got to live by it. Up until a week ago, I hadn't heard anything from the Jamaican national team. Everybody has to make their decisions. Everybody has to do what they have to do.”

Jamaica technical director Carl Brown has called in a mostly England-based team, led by strikers Kevin Lisbie - who scored a hat-trick for Charlton Athletic against Liverpool last weekend - and Ricardo Gardner (Bolton Wanderers), and midfielders Jamie Lawrence (Bradford City), Ricardo Fuller (Preston North End) and Micah Hyde (Watford).

He also included three MLS players - which includes Ralph - with Fire team-mate Andy Williams and MetroStars defender Craig Ziadie also heading to England for the international.

01-10-2003, 07:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
Ricochet TS Member Favourite Team: USMNT, Manchester United Ricochet is Offline Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York Posts: 4,405 vCash: 500 Rep: Rep Points: 698 Country:	Will Ralph play for Jamaica? http://www.turfmonster.com/articles/...&ArticleID=998 Jamaica make their move for Ralph Chicago's young hot shot Damani Ralph has been called up by Jamaica for their international friendly against Brazil in Leicester, England, on October 12. The Fire striker - who has been in amazing form in his first professional season with Chicago - has been mulling over a fast-track international career, or to wait for his chance to get into the US national team. “You always want to play for your native country, but at the same time you want to do what's best for your future,” he said. “From what I hear, I'm eligible to play for both countries. I think either way, I'll be able to fit in pretty easily.” With 11 goals for the Eastern Conference leaders this season, Ralph has now started to drawn attention from his home country. His agent, Patrick McCabe of First Artist, recently noted that the US national team has yet to get in touch. "We are open to exploring both options but there has not been any contact from US Soccer and we would need to hear something from Bruce Arena or US Soccer officials for us to explore that route seriously," said McCabe. Recently, Jamaican defender Tyrone Marshall - who plays for Los Angeles, advised Ralph to wait for US citizenship and aim for a place in Bruce Arena's team. “Even if I did become a (US) citizen, I would feel more Jamaican than American, from the standpoint that I grew up there for 20 years of my life," Ralph added. "But, at the same time, I'm here and I've adapted to the American system. “I wouldn't look at it as backstabbing; I'd look at it as looking out for my future. In life, everybody has a chance to make their choice and if you make it, you've got to live by it. Up until a week ago, I hadn't heard anything from the Jamaican national team. Everybody has to make their decisions. Everybody has to do what they have to do.” Jamaica technical director Carl Brown has called in a mostly England-based team, led by strikers Kevin Lisbie - who scored a hat-trick for Charlton Athletic against Liverpool last weekend - and Ricardo Gardner (Bolton Wanderers), and midfielders Jamie Lawrence (Bradford City), Ricardo Fuller (Preston North End) and Micah Hyde (Watford). He also included three MLS players - which includes Ralph - with Fire team-mate Andy Williams and MetroStars defender Craig Ziadie also heading to England for the international. __________________ "Everyone on this forum is dumber for having read this post."