LONDON, England - Twenty-one-year-old Jamaica and Portmore United right-winger, Eric Vernan, will depart the island in a week's time for the United States where he will commence a three-week trial stint with US Major League outfit, DC United.

VERNAN... when opportunities like this come you have to take them

Vernan, who came on as a late substitute for the Reggae Boyz in their 0-0 draw against Nigeria in a friendly international here on Wednesday, was on cloud nine when he got the news.

""I feel good knowing that I will get the opportunity to play in a more professional environment. when opportunities like this come along you will have to take them seriously," said Vernan, who was adjudged MVP at last year's Digicel Caribbean Championship.

The former Glenmuir student, who was a member of Jamaica's Under-20 silver medal-winning team at the Pan Am Games in Brazil in 2007, said his hard work in training is beginning to pay off and he is determined to take advantage.

"It's a lot of hard work and sacrifice that got me to this stage and it's my intention to go to the USA and do my best," said Vernan, who hails from Clarendon.

He said although Jamaica are out of World Cup contention, there is still much to look forward to, starting with the Gold Cup in the USA in the summer.

"Yes, we're out of the World Cup, but the programme continues with the Gold Cup which is right around the corner and that is indeed something I'm looking forward to," said the diminutive, but speedy player.