Mattocks wants national team return

Having last represented the senior national football team almost a year ago, Reggae Boy Darren Mattocks is itching to make his return to the setup.

The 27-year-old Mattocks, who last played for the Reggae Boyz side in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in 2017, has been overlooked for the national side since. The Reggae Boyz lost the Gold Cup final 2-1 to the Americans in the United States.

Mattocks told STAR Sports that he is waiting patiently to make his return.

EXPERIENCE

"It is nothing personal why I haven't play for Jamaica in a while, but obviously coach is really bringing some fresh young players and I guess they need some experience," said Mattocks, who currently plies his trade for DC United in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

"I think when the big games and the big tournaments come around, he is going to call on his big name players," he said.

"But I think he is doing an excellent job of rotating his players and getting young players the experience. But at the same time, as players get older and older, you are going to need young players," Mattocks said.

The striker, who is the leading scorer for DC United with five goals from 10 matches in MLS this season, added that national team comes first and he fully supports whatever decision the coaching staff takes, as long as it benefits the team.

"At the end of the day, you have to put the team first and whatever it is that is going to benefit the team, that is what we have to do," Mattocks said.

"I am never worried about getting a call-up, because the coach is doing a good job in getting younger guys and experienced players to play together at the international level," said the former Bridgeport High School Manning Cup player.