AFCB

First Team

Jefferson Lerma honoured to be in Copa America squad

AFC Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma has been named in Colombia's Copa America squad for this summer.

Lerma has been named in former Real Madrid manager Carlos Quieroz's 23 man squad for the CONMEBOL tournament in Brazil.

The 24-year-old has won ten caps for his country and is named in the squad alongside giant names James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao, as well as Premier League comrade Davinson Sanchez.

A tough group awaits Lerma's Colombia, with a mouth-watering opening fixture against Argentina.

SEE WHERE LERMA'S CHERRIES TEAM MATES WILL BE PLAYING THEIR INTERNATIONAL GAMES HERE.

They will then face Qatar and Paraguay in the final two group games, and Lerma is relishing the prospect of making his Copa America bow.

"I think it’s a very important tournament for South America," he said.

"God willing I get my first experience to play this tournament. If I have the opportunity, I will try my best, enjoy the chance and think of growing as a player.

"It's a very tough group of course. We need to make sure we do our best, every player in the squad. I think we have a great generation and the Colombian national team is earning more and more respect.

"We used to be the underdogs but we have improved a lot in the last few years and I'm honoured to be included."