Dujon Sterling ‘keen to go’ after Rangers star approached for international Jamaica switch
Dujon Sterling is “keen” to take up the offer of representing Jamaica at the Copa American this summer after being approached by the country, according to the Scottish Sun.
The paper reported via their website on 28 March that after representing England up to under-20 level he is interested in switching to the Caribbean nation, who he qualifies for via both his parents.
Jamaica are said to be “desperate” to have him commit after manager Heimir Hallgrímsson received “glowing” scouting reports from his breakout season at Ibrox.
Should be make the switch and be included in the squad for the Copa America, due to be held between June and July, he would be in line to face Mexico, Ecuador and Venezuela, but qualification for the knock-out stages may then see him miss the majority of the preseason programme in Glasgow ahead of the new campaign.
Sterling has recovered from a recent injury and his back in contention ahead of the games against Hibs and Celtic.
Rangers disruption on the cards if summer signing switches nations from England
At the age of 24 and having not received a full England cap then there is every reason to believe that an international career with Jamaica would be an attractive proposition for Sterling.
Even if he was holding out hope of forcing his way into the reckoning for the Three Lions he will have seen Jack Butland be snubbed by Gareth Southgate for the past international break and know that even his excellent form under Philippe Clement might not be enough.
It is no surprise that Hallgrímsson would like to be able to call on the former Chelsea man, since he has shown himself to be increasingly key for Rangers since arriving as a potential back-up to James Tavernier.
Despite Michael Beale largely overlooking him entirely early in the campaign Sterling has since emerged to establish himself as the man for all occasions, thriving in midfield roles and more recently putting in some important performances as a wide attacker.
Any sort of disruption on international duty is going to be less than ideal for Clement, not least because it often seems to have a sting in the tail injury-wise for the Light Blues, but that is a fact of life when players are performing well enough for a call up.
Logically it seems very likely that Sterling may take up the Copa America chance with Jamaica, which could see him playing catch-up ahead of next season, but it is a measure of how impressive he has been in recent months that the opportunity has arisen.
In other Rangers news, an ex-Ibrox hero admits he is worried that a hugely-talented possible Gers signing could now end up on the other side of Glasgow.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.