Campbell pleased to be out of Reggae Boyz wilderness
Published:Sunday | September 15, 2024 | 12:06 AM
ONE OF the biggest surprises of Steve McClaren’s first Reggae Boyz squad was winger Norman Campbell, who fell from the radar since his move to Serbia in 2021.
However, on the advice of assistant coach, Merron Gordon, the Englishman selected the former Jamaica College Manning Cup winner, who has had a stunning start to life at his new club Randers in the Denmark Super Liga, where he has scored twice in his team first six matches.
After playing the last seven minutes in the Reggae Boyz’s 0-0 draw against Cuba last Friday, Campbell believed the coaches and his teammates had the confidence in him and he would be afforded another opportunity when they played Honduras in their second game on Tuesday.
“It was a wonderful performance (against Cuba) from the team. We only had three days to work on what we were working on. But in the game we fought and showed that we can play football.
“Unluckily we didn’t get the goal but we got a whole heap of chances. So it is something to build on,” he commented.
Even though he did not get much time on the field against Cuba, the feedback in the dressing room was positive, and his optimism about his chances to play against Honduras grew.
In fact, Campbell started and played 65 minutes, and although it was not his most impressive performance, the speedy winger was instrumental in the Reggae Boyz taking the lead after 49 minutes through an own goal.
Campbell, left a defender for dead before centring the ball, which Denil Maldonado turned into his own goal.
“I believe I will get a next opportunity, the team believes in me and the coach believes in me. So I know I have a next opportunity,” he stated after the Cuba match.
He also believes McClaren will make the team better, the more time he is with the team.
“He knows the players and in the heat of the game, what he thinks is right, that is what we will work with. We just have to take the chances we get, and the players that go on (subs) must add more to the game. But we are grateful for the coach and what he is doing.”
Meanwhile, the winger is looking to continue his good form when he returns to action for his club today.
“So far, things have been going well for me. The team knows what I can do. They believe in me from the first day, so it was easy for me to settle in.
“Six games and I have two goals already. I could have had more but it takes time to get to know all the players.
“But my impact is important to the team. I have a big role in the team, so I will continue working hard to build on what I have done so far. And I am looking to add some numbers to my tally,” he said.