St Johnstone midfielder, Victor Griffith, has repaid the Panama manager’s faith in him and put himself into Gold Cup quarter-final contention.
The 24-year-old was trusted by boss, Thomas Christiansen, to start the vital final group game against Jamaica earlier this week.
Griffith performed well and was only taken off with a few minutes left of the match, which Panama won 4-1.
That victory saw them top Group C with three wins out of three and set-up a last-eight clash against Honduras in Arizona this weekend.
“I’m happy with the opportunity the coach has given me,” said Griffith, who also started a World Cup qualifier.
“I’m trying to make the most of it and to repay the confidence he has in me.
“We knew we weren’t mathematically qualified, and we wanted to win the match no matter what.
“The coach made some rotations, and it worked out very well.
“Now we have to make sure we are at our best for the quarter-final.
“It didn’t matter who our opponent was going to be – we are aiming to go another round further, no matter what.”
Griffith has regained form with his country after struggling at the end of last season with Saints.
Panama have a strong chance of progressing further in the Gold Cup, meaning he might not be back in Scotland until the Premier Sports Cup action is underway.
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