Former England U21 Ravel Morrison to switch international allegiance

Once described by Rio Ferdinand as “the most naturally gifted kid I’ve ever seen”, supposedly rated more highly as a youngster than Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs – and in the opinion of Alex Ferguson, no less – Ravel Morrison has had a difficult few years in football.

Allowed to leave West Ham in 2015 after falling out favour with Sam Allardyce, this after a moderately successful loan with QPR and an underwhelming spell with Cardiff City, Morrison made eight appearances in three seasons with Lazio either side of another fruitless loan spell at Loftus Road. He has spent this season with Mexican side Atlas, who are currently rock bottom of Liga MX.

Held up by many as a prime example of wasted youth and squandered potential – Allardyce called him “the biggest waste of talent I ever worked with” – Morrison was said to struggle with the mental aspect of the game as well as various problems and controversies off the field.

Now, though, Morrison is at least trying to get his international career back on track. Still only 25 years old, he is reportedly set to meet with officials from the Jamaican national team later this month with a view to switching his international allegiance.

Morrison featured for England at U16, U17, U18 and U21 level, but never made a senior appearance for the Three Lions despite catching Roy Hodgson’s eye and being touted for a place at the World Cup in 2014.

Jamaican heritage

Born in Manchester, Morrison has Jamaican family heritage and is eligible to play for The Reggae Boyz at international level. He was first reported as wanting to represent Jamaica as far back as 2012, but has taken time to deliberate over the decision.

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According to the BBC, Morrison has been invited to a training camp with Jamaica in late March. The Reggae Boyz’ next competitive fixtures are against Antigua and Barbuda soon afterwards, but Morrison would only be able to complete the documentation to play for Jamaica in September.

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While he still has some way to go to salvage his club career, Morrison is at least ready to take on the added responsibility of international football. It could be the first step towards him realising a measure of the potential he once showed.