BURY midfielder Neil Danns hopes Guyana's first ever appearance at the Gold Cup can inspire the country's next generation of players. 

The 36-year-old captained the South American minnows as they opened their campaign with a 4-0 Group D defeat against hosts and holders the USA on Tuesday night. 

The Golden Jaguars, managed by former Birmingham and Derby defender Michael Johnson, were 200/1 to win the 16-team tournament and faced an American side that included Chelsea's £58million forward Christian Pulisic. 

"It was always going to be a tough game," Danns said. 

"We knew we were coming up against some quality players but the main thing for us was to show that we can compete at this level and I think first half we definitely did that against top-quality opposition. 

"Maybe we tired a bit in the second half. We've got a young team but that's testament to what's ahead for the future. 

"Hopefully we can play in many more games like this. 

"I'm proud of the boys and I hope Guyana is proud of the boys. 

"We've come here and given it a good go. 

"We thank you every one in Guyana and we just hope we've done you all proud. 

"It's a massive experience and hopefully this inspires the next generation. 

"Hopefully it brings some much-needed sponsorship and funding and Guyana can hopefully be a regular part of this amazing tournament."

Next up for Guyana is a game against Panama this Saturday in Cleveland before their Group D matches end against Trinidad and Tobago in Kansas City next Wednesday, June 26. 

Prior to the tournament Danns cleared up some confusion over his Shakers status when he was listed as 'unattached' when confirmed in his country's Gold Cup squad.

Many believed that signalled he had already left Gigg Lane and while he is out of contract at the crisis club, the veteran could yet stay put. 

"The reason it states me unattached in the Guyana squad list is because Bury haven’t offered any deals as yet for next season because of the situation going on at the club," Danns said on social media at the time. 

"I am due to speak with the club on my return."

The former Crystal Palace, Birmingham and Leicester man, who joined from Bolton Wanderers in the summer of 2016, made 39 appearances in all competitions for the Shakers last season, scoring two goals, both of which came in a 4-1 win at Macclesfield last November.