GRENOBLE, France — It is often said that one man’s disappointment is another’s joy.

But for young forward Mireya Grey, daughter of former Montego Bay Cricket Club and Wadadah player Heron “Sheriff” Grey, being called into the Reggae Girlz squad at the expense of Kayla McCoy brings mixed emotions.

The 20-year-old Grey was earmarked as replacement for McCoy, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during the Reggae Girlz’s final warm-up friendly contest against Scotland in the United Kingdom recently.

Though there was a toss-up between Grey and another player to fill the vacant position, Menzies and his assistants, Lorne Donaldson and Andrew Price, agreed on the nippy University of Washington player, who also brings that versatility to the team.

Grey, whose dazzling abilities as a striker won her the nickname “Sugar Rey”, last represented Jamaica at the Concacaf Under-20 Championship in Trinidad and Tobago in January last year, but gave Jamaicans a glimpse of her slick passing and skills during her first senior Reggae Girlz cap in the farewell game against Panama.

The diminutive Seattle-born player, who arrived here late Friday night, has settled in well and is ready to play her part if called upon in today’s historic opener against Brazil at the Stade des Alpes in Grenoble at 3:30 pm (8:30 am Jamaica time).

“When I got the call to come to France, I was almost expecting it, but nonetheless still shocked and excite… but I also hated the fact that Kayla was hurt and I’m praying for her. Now that I am here, I’m excited and ready to do what I can to help the team,” Grey told the Jamaica Observer.

After receiving her first senior invite ahead of the Panama game, she pointed out that she felt right at home on her arrival at camp, as she had been hard at work with her college team as well as on her own.

“When I saw my invite I was prepared to showcase what I have and was ready to give my all to Jamaica for whatever is needed, because I think it’s an amazing and unbelievable opportunity to play for one of the best teams in the world, as well as be able to work hard for the country I love so much,” Grey shared.

She continued: “To be honest when I first came to camp, I knew it was going to be tough for me to make the team, but I was so proud to be Jamaican that I blended into the team and was able to bond with the players so quickly on and off the field. I think that everyone has the right heart and mentality in the training and games, which is a positive and I think that will enable us to do well at the World Cup.

“I am still in awe that the Reggae Girlz are making history and I can be a part of that. I know we’re capable of upsetting teams, and playing with the most heart in the tournament. I’m excited to see how this tournament will go.”

Following this opener, the Reggae Girlz will then face number sixth- ranked Australia and 15th ranked Italy in Group C on June 14 and 18, respectively.

After the the group stages, the top-two teams will automatically progress to the June 23-25 Round of 16 where they will be joined by the four best third-placed teams. From there, teams will then progress to the June 27-29 quarter-finals to battle for semi-final berths, then the final.

— Sherdon Cowan