Jamaica Star | Livingston Scott
Martin Davis has been one of Jamaica’s most outstanding Under-20 players over their two warm-up friendly matches against Cuba as they prepare for the CONCACAF Under-20 championships.
The former St George’s College star recently completed a trial stint with Toronto FC and is set to join the North American club on a permanent move later this month, after impressing the club during his stay over the summer.
But while the 17-year-old, who also had stints with Valencia and Levante in Spain, believes the Under-20s are heading in the right direction leading up to the tournament, which begins on Friday at the National Stadium, he is confident he can deliver the type of match winning performances needed to make the difference in the tournament.
In both friendlies, Martin came off the bench and his impact was undeniable. Jamaica won the first game 2-1 at Waterhouse while the second ended in a 1-1 draw at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
At Waterhouse, his introduction brought life and purpose to Jamaica’s play and it was his effort that set up the second goal, after he weaved his way through a host of defenders outside the area before slipping a neat pass to Donjay Smith who fired a low shot just inside the post.
Running forward
His influence in the second match was quite similar, as once again he emerged from the bench and not only kept the ball well but always looked a threat running forward.
“I am never pleased with my performance. I always believe I can give more but my teammates and my coaches say that I am doing good so I just want to continue doing what I know is right and try to give away the less balls every time,” Davis stated after the game.
The young attacker does not know if the coaches will start him or use him as a substitute for the tournament, but his intention is to have major influence on games nonetheless.
“If I start or if I come off the bench, I always want to make that difference, I always want to change the tempo of the game and bring something new to the team and the game,” he said.