Gray seizes moment after Southgate’s message of hope

It IS the age-old issue. You are happy for your mates when they get opportunities but it hurts when you are the one left out. Demarai Gray has watched closely as tammy abraham, Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook have been called up to the england senior side by Gareth Southgate. he has congratulated them and not once has he been bitter, but he has asked: ‘What about me?’ It is a topic that has not escaped the attention of england’s Under 21 manager aidy Boothroyd and Southgate. Before Southgate flew to holland on Friday, he spoke to the Leicester winger along with the other players who defeated romania — a side featuring Ianis hagi, son of the legendary Gheorghe hagi — at Molineux and take on Ukraine in a european Under 21 Championship qualifier at Bramall Lane tomorrow. the england boss explained how chances exist for those who are prepared to work hard. It was that pep talk, as well as being made captain, which led to Gray producing a standout performance on Saturday. ‘When the manager comes down and talks to us and tells us if you’re playing well the opportunities are there, that makes me even more hungry,’ said Gray. ‘Since he said that I’ve done my best.’ his display, which included scoring england’s opening goal in the eighth minute, was typical of a player who at 21 has already made 169 senior appearances at club level, with five of those coming in Leicester’s Champions League campaign last season. experienced enough to play at european football’s highest level but not on the international stage, Gray stays humble. ‘For me it was kind of one where players have moved up, but maybe I wasn’t ready or maybe he [Southgate] didn’t think it was my time,’ he said. For Boothroyd, it is only a matter of time before Gray gets his first senior cap. ‘he deserved his goal, he was terrific,’ he said. ‘he also has leadership qualities.’ Gray is wise enough to accept Southgate’s challenge of working hard for his ultimate reward. the former Birmingham winger said: ‘I’m still 21 but in my experience nothing is too soon, anything is round the corner. I’ve just got to knuckle down and do what I do and see what comes.’