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Right choice for Parkes Published: Monday | February 6, 2012 0 Comments Tivoli Gardens goalscorer Romeo Parkes does a backflip while celebrating his goal during his team's 3-1 win over Humble Lion. - Rudolph Brown/Photographer Tivoli Gardens goalscorer Romeo Parkes does a backflip while celebrating his goal during his team's 3-1 win over Humble Lion. - Rudolph Brown/Photographer
Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer
Tivoli Gardens new frontman Romeo Parkes hit the ground running after joining the defending champions during the January transfer window, as he netted twice in his opening two games.
However, things could have turned out entirely different for the 21-year-old who admits he tried his hand at cricket during his early days while attending Port Maria Primary and had it not been for a bad experience would probably have stuck with the sport.
"I stopped playing cricket in grade six, because I had a cricket final and a football final on the same day when I was going to primary school," Parkes said.
"The football final was being played close to the school and the cricket final was being played at Melbourne in Kingston. As a little boy, I wanted to go on a bus and go to town, so I went to the cricket final instead of the football final and made ducks (zero). Since then I haven't played anymore cricket and just stuck to football," he added.
Prolific player
It has so far proven to be a good choice, as Parkes has been prolific throughout his young career, resulting in call-ups to the national Under-20 and 23 teams, with one of his most memorable goals coming for the latter in an Olympic qualifier away to Suriname.
He has also trained with the senior team, but is yet to make his senior debut. He is hoping that topping this season's Red Stripe Premier League in scoring will result in him making that next step.
Parkes started his professional career with Albion Mountain helping them to the Major League title, before leaving for George's where he played in their Under-21 team before being promoted to the senior team. He joined Highgate United on loan last year following St George's relegation from the top flight, but moved to defending league champions Tivoli during the January window, also under a loan agreement.
Parkes, who has managed four goals for Highgate in the opening half of the season and has netted four more since joining Tivoli, has his sights set on scoring a minimum of 20 goals.
Overseas opportunities
"Since I have been at Tivoli, I have got several calls from agents overseas willing to make opportunities for me, but I am trying to climb the ladder from the bottom," Parkes told The Gleaner.
"I am focused on being the leading goal scorer this season for the national league and also trying to make the senior team squad for World Cup qualifying, after that I will work towards something overseas," Parkes explained.
The former Oracabessa High student was hunted by Tivoli for more than two seasons, but had his reservations about joining the team.
"It has been two seasons now since Tivoli have been trying to get me here, even before I went to Highgate, but I didn't go," Parkes said.
"I kept telling myself that I didn't want to go to any team so far away and where I really didn't know anyone. I also thought that I was going to be overshadowed and doubted myself."
Last season's most valuable player and leading goal scorer for the Flow Champions Cup added: "I then told myself that it is time for me to make a different step and leave out of my area and go play ball (football) with a better side."
Parkes, returning from an ankle injury sustained three weeks ago in a Jackie Bell match, is hoping to make his comeback in the competition when his team meet Arnett Gardens in today's semi-final.
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Quote:
Overseas opportunities
"Since I have been at Tivoli, I have got several calls from agents overseas willing to make opportunities for me, but I am trying to climb the ladder from the bottom," Parkes told The Gleaner.
"I am focused on being the leading goal scorer this season for the national league and also trying to make the senior team squad for World Cup qualifying, after that I will work towards something overseas," Parkes explained.
Romeo Parkes needs to realize that he needs to get into a good strong overseas professional before try to make the senior team for WCQs.
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Loc: Miramar, FL, USA
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March 2012
MEANWHILE ROMEO PARKES OF TIVOLI, A PLAYER WHO HAS MADE A HUGE IMPACT AT TIVOLI THIS MOVING FROM ST. GEORGE’S SPORT CLUB IN PORTLAND, IS REPORTEDLY GOING OFF TO TURKEY TO ATTEND A TRIAL.
