Elite clubs should ‘trust’ young talent, insists Gray
Winger buoyed by England success ‘I want to fight for place at Leicester’
Demarai Gray is using the frustration of not featuring regularly for Leicester City last season as a motivation to succeed with England Under-21s at the European Championship.
The 20-year-old winger said he also hoped that England’s success at winning the Under-20s World Cup and in reaching the semi-finals – so far – at these Euros would persuade Premier League managers to “trust” young players more.
Gray has been considering his future at Leicester, having started only nine league games last season, but suggested that he would be staying at the club and was pleased that Craig Shakespeare had been appointed permanent manager.
“He always spoke to me one-on-one,” Gray said. “With him getting the job now I am happy with that and hopefully I will get more of an opportunity. I have to train properly and get my chance. I’m looking forward to the next season with Leicester. Right now I want to progress in this tournament.”
Gray scored the opening goal – and gained an assist for the second – in England’s impressive 3-0 victory over the hosts, Poland, which meant they won their group ahead of Slovakia and Sweden and will face a semi-final in either Krakow or Tychy next Tuesday.
“I thought I was ready last season but sometimes you have to be patient,” Gray said of Leicester.
“Any opportunity you get you’ve got to try and express yourself. All I can do is what
I did against Poland and carry it into the next game. Next season is not here for me yet, but I just want to keep up my performance like that.”
Being part of this tournament was a motivation, he added. “I was on the bench a lot last season and it was frustrating. It was one of those things. I kind of kept myself motivated with this tournament. I didn’t start the first two games [of the group] but I have had to apply myself ... I want to express myself as much as I can. I don’t feel like I have been able to do that as much as I want.”
Should he want to leave Leicester, Gray, a £3.5 million signing from Birmingham City in January 2016, would attract interest. Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have been suggested as potential suitors although he still has three years left on his contract.
Leicester regard Gray highly and want to keep him and he hopes the exploits of the England teams this summer will encourage Premier League managers to give young players their chance. “Their achievement was massive and kind of gave us motivation to follow in their footsteps,” Gray said of the Under-20s’ triumph in South Korea.
“They are younger and to win something so big was nice to see. We saw their celebrations and we want the same here. The young England generation has some very, very good players.
“Hopefully there are opportunities given to all the lads coming up from under-17 onwards. The future is bright for England, managers have to trust you and give you a chance. If they do we will have more English talent on show.”