DEMARAI GRAY is staging a late bid to gatecrash England’s World Cup squad for Russia — thanks to encouragement from Gareth Southgate.
The Three Lions boss met Gray and his Under-21 team-mates at St George’s Park last week to tell them the door was still open for them to bag a late seat on the plane.
And the Leicester livewire says that pep talk inspired his outstanding captain’s display against Romania at Molineux on Saturday.
Gray, who was handed the armband for the first time after Liverpool ace Dominic Solanke picked up a knock, scored the opener in a 2-1 victory. He said: “I’m still only 21 but, in my experience, nothing is ever too soon.
“Russia is just around the corner, I’ve just got to knuckle down, do what I do and see what happens.”
Gray has featured 36 times for the Foxes this season and has chipped in with four goals.
He added: “Gareth came in at the start of the week to present some of the boys with their caps.
“He told us that the opportunity and pathway is there to get into his squad. Stuff like that is an honour.
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“When the manager comes down and tells us if we’re playing well the chance is there, then that makes me even hungrier.
“Since he said that, since the start of the week I’ve done my best and worked even harder.
“It shows huge faith in us as young players and gives us confidence.”
Patriotic Gray was proud to captain the Young Lions on the night the FA paid tribute to the former England striker Cyrille Regis, who died in January.
The Brummie said: “It was a big honour for me and my family — and being a local boy it was nice to have them come down and watch.
“I’m quite humble about my achievements, but I think this is one of my proudest ones.
“Representing your country is always an honour. To do it as captain on the occasion for Cyrille Regis, extra special.
“To score and get the win made it even better.”
Young Lions boss Aidy Boothroyd claimed that Gray was disappointed not get promoted to the seniors in November along with Lewis Cook, Tammy Abraham and Solanke.
Gray is set to feature for the U21s in their Euro 2019 qualifier against Ukraine at Bramall Lane tomorrow.
And he showed great maturity and tact when he said: “I wouldn’t really call it disappointment — it happens as you grow up from a young age.
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“You see all your mates progressing and stuff and you’re always happy for them and proud of your boys for achieving things.
“So for me it was kind of one where players have moved up, but maybe I wasn’t ready yet — or maybe he didn’t think it was my time.
“But like I said, I believe in myself.
“I have just got to keep working hard, which I’m doing. I’m confident in due time I’ll get my opportunity.”
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