5 Youngsters to Keep an Eye on at the CONCACAF Gold Cup

The continental showpiece for nations from North and Central America, the Gold Cup may have lost some of its lustre this summer with neither Mexico nor the United States taking full-strength squads.

Nonetheless, the duo who have dominated with six and four wins respectively will still be the favourites, such is their relative strength in depth.

However, others will be eyeing the opportunity to spring a surprise and a number of young players from across the continent—both from the aforementioned duo and others—will be looking to use the tournament to make a name for themselves.

Therefore, here's a look at five youngsters to keep an eye on this month:

Russell Teibert (Canada)

Predominantly left-footed, the 20-year-old right-winger has enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign in MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps this season.

He's proven a handful for opposing defenders during his 10 appearances in 2013, and also netted his first two goals when he scored a brace against LA Galaxy in May.

Quick and skillful, the diminutive Teibert is capable of breezing past defenders to the byline or navigating his way inside from where he can get shots at goal.

With only three senior caps to his name, Teibert offers something different to interim coach Colin Miller's squad. Potentially a difference maker for Les Rouges.

Raul Jimenez (Mexico)

The languid striker has enjoyed a good year, helping Mexico to Olympic success in 2012 and his club side, Club America, to glory in the Mexican Liguilla.

Decent with the ball at his feet, he's intelligent in terms of his movement and links play well between the midfield and forward line.

However, at the international level his goals record isn't great, and the Mexican No. 9 needs a big tournament here.

At senior level, he remains scoreless in nine appearances, while he only struck once in 13 matches for the under-23 squad last year, that goal coming at last year's Toulon Tournament.

Andy Najar (Honduras)

Ultra speedy and comfortable anywhere along the right flank, Honduras international Andy Najar is a name well-known to followers of MLS after his three seasons with DC United.

His MLS debut season in 2010 saw him named Rookie of the Year, and he eventually made 82 league appearances for the Black and Red, scoring 10 goals.

An impressive Olympics with the Honduran under-23 side—which included a victory over Spain—brought Najar to the attention of Belgian side Anderlecht, who he joined on a permanent deal in January.

The five-cap Najar may not necessarily be a starter, but his versatility and energy offer Honduras boss Luis Suarez an interesting proposition from the bench.

Jack McInerney (United States)

The 20-year-old Philadelphia Union striker has begun his third MLS campaign like a house on fire, netting 10 times in 17 matches and earning his place in Jurgen Klinsmann's Gold Cup squad.

The Union No. 9 isn't the tallest of strikers but is decent in the air and a cool finisher with either foot. Moreover, his movement and anticipation in the penalty area is somewhat similar to the Mexican international Javier Hernandez.

Uncapped at senior level so far, it'll be interesting how Klinsmann utilises his in-form young striker, who will battle for a starting berth with Herculez Gomez, Chris Wondolowski and Will Bruin.

However, if McInerney is given the chance to impress with his first appearances for Team USA, then expect him to take it.

Dustin Corea (El Salvador)

The 21-year-old forward currently plies his trade in Danish football with Skive IK, having joined on a six-month loan deal in January, before penning a permanent deal with SIK in March, which ties him to the club until 2015.

Nicknamed "Ghost," Corea is an interesting character in so much as he is a native of California, and made 27 appearances for the United States under-17 team, scoring 15 goals. However, after not being selected for the 2009 U-17 World Cup, he soon switched allegiances.

He has since represented El Salvador at various levels, and in March—on his 21st birthday—made his senior debut in a friendly against Ecuador.

A flexible forward, capable of playing out wide or through the middle, the "Salvadoran Messi" has a trick in his locker and, as his record at youth level would suggest, knows where the net is.