Jamaica's football history
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Deon Burton-Senior squad
 On September 7, 1997, a hot and frenzied Jamaican afternoon, Deon Burton took to the field of the National Stadium (The Office). This was his first ever game in a Reggae Boyz jersey.
His debut proved to be a remarkable and memorable occasion, one which saw him scoring the lone goal of the game. His efforts meant that Jamaica would earn their first ever win over Canada at the senior level, but more importantly, gain three points in a World Cup qualifying game. He went on to score in the next three qualifiers against Costa Rica, the U.S.A and El Salvador.
Burton, whose mother hails from England and father Jamaica, was born in Reading, England in 1976. He, along with Paul Hall, Fitzroy Simpson and Robbie Earle, were the first batch of English-born players selected by then TD, Rene Simoes. Joining Jamaica in the latter stages of World Cup qualifying play, he finised with four goals from five games. He, of course, was also a member of the World Cup squad that participated in France '98.
Burton holds the distinction of being the first and only Jamaican to play on a World All Star team. He represented the Rest of the World against Europe in December 1997. He came on as a sub in the 62nd minute for none other than that famous Brazilian, Ronaldo.
Deon first played for Portsmouth, of the English first division, before moving on to Derby County FC in 1997. While his time with Derby has not been too spectacular, the player emerged as Derby’s leading goal scorer with nine goals in the '98-'99 season. He continues to play a key role at Derby County.
With Jamaica in yet another World Cup qualifying campaign, the coaching staff and fans will no doubt be looking to Deon Burton to lead their goal-scoring charge like he did in 1997. A year in which 'One Love,' as he is sometimes called within Jamaican footballing circles, won Jamaica’s Sportsman of the Year Award for almost single-handedly getting us to France.
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| Fact File: Deon Burton |
| ALIAS |
Neon Deon |
| DOB |
Monday, October 25, 1976 |
| POSITION |
Forward |
| CAPS |
18 |
| CURRENT CLUB |
Portsmouth (Eng) |
| PREVIOUS CLUB(s) |
Derby County FC (Eng), Portsmouth (Eng) |
| ACHIEVEMENTS |
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