RECENTLY overlooked national footballer, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, was expected back in the country yesterday according to a reliable source.
The 28year-old Richardson, who plays professionally for the Carolina Railhawks in the US Soccer Federation Division Two, has not been considered for national selection following his comments, deemed offensive by the GFF, in the local media.
The exciting Richardson, who gained international recognition and interest when he scored a hat-trick for his former pro team  T&T’s Joe Public in a CONCACAF Champions League game against New England Revolution in the U.S., is expected to appear for his local club Pele FC in the upcoming Kashif and Shanghai Tournament.
His attacking prowess is an asset to any side and a threat to his opponents.
In an invited comment on Richardson’s return to the national side, a GFF official stated that once the requested letter of apology reaches the GFF he will be given the green light to wear the national colours again.
“This is a situation that also affected midfielder Sean Cameron who duly apologised and was pardoned and I see no reason why the same would not apply to Richardson’s case,” the official indicated.
Meanwhile Head Coach of the Guyana Senior team Wayne Dover says he is ready to welcome back ‘Jackie Chan’ to the national side since his presence on the field could be a boost for the attack, “I think Guyana and the Region know of his football abilities and if he is ready to represent Guyana again I will have no hesitation in including him,” Dover declared.
An official of Pele FC also hinted that the impasse is expected to be resolved shortly and that Richardson could very well line up for Guyana at the Digicel Caribbean Cup finals set for month end in Martinique.
Richardson became the first Guyanese, born and raised, footballer to sign a professional contract in the American Major League Soccer (MLS) when he inked a deal in March last year but was waived by the club the Colorado Rapids four months later. In 22 appearances for the Senior National side he has scored nine goals.