SANTA CLARA, Mexico -- Juan Carlos Osorio has said Jonathan Gonzalez is one of a new generation that has left him excited about the future if he opts to stay in charge after the World Cup.
Monterrey midfielder Gonzalez, who switched his international allegiance from the U.S. to Mexico in January, is looking to increase his chances of making the World Cup against Iceland on Friday.
The 18-year-old California native made his debut for Mexico against Bosnia in January, days after his controversial switch, and Osorio hopes he can use the forthcoming international break to establish himself.
"Jonathan, to start with, is part of a group of Mexican players that I've referred as having a good present and a promising future and that excites me to continue, along with Edson Alvarez, Omar Govea and others that aren't here like Orbelin [Pineda] and Erick [Gutierrez]," Osorio told a news conference on Thursday.
"Gonzalez is a good midfielder and can fight for a place with anyone. Like everyone, he has to improve a lot of things to win a place.
"After deciding to play for Mexico, it is our responsibility to give him a platform to develop and consolidate himself as a player.
"That's why he's in this call-up, and hopefully he can establish himself and show the qualities I mentioned."
Osorio has said he will decide whether to stay on depending on results in Russia and said places in his World Cup squad were still up for grabs.
He said Tigres right-back Luis Rodriguez, midfielder Jesus Duenas and right-back Paul Aguilar along with Atlas captain Rafael Marquez were all players who could still earn a spot.
The Colombian coach added that Marquez -- sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in August for an alleged link to a drug trafficking organisation -- can still make the World Cup if he is in good form and can resolve his legal situation.
Meanwhile, Osorio confirmed that Hector Herrera will not be available for the Iceland game because of a recurring injury, while captain Andres Guardado is also a doubt.