Mattocks biding time for national return

With Jamaica's CONCACAF League of Nations opening game against the Cayman Islands less than three weeks away, striker Darren Mattocks is itching to make a return to the national side.

Mattocks, who last represented the Reggae Boyz in the final of last year's CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in the United States, told STAR Sports that he is eager to make a return to the national team.

"You just have to just wait and see because this one is going to be an element of surprise," said Mattocks.

"Is Jamaica I born and grow, so it is the greatest feeling to play in front of your home country and in front of all your friends and family," he said.

"I know that the entire country wants to see Darren Mattocks in the Jamaica gear, but I just want the team to do well, so let's see what happens," Mattocks said.

The 27-year-old has been in great form in Major League Soccer (MLS) this season, where he has scored nine goals for DC United.

GOOD RELATIONSHIP

This is the most goals that the former Bridgeport High School Manning Cup player has scored in one season since his arrival in MLS in 2012.

Mattocks added that he has had a good relationship with Reggae Boyz head coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) over the years, and so he believes that whenever the time is right he will received a call.

"Things have always been good with me and JFF, but sometimes they don't call me because they are playing small games, so Tappa wants to give some younger players experience," said Mattocks.

"But this is a big game and I always want to play for Jamaica, so let's see if I am going to be there," he said. The striker has scored 14 goals in 39 appearances for the Reggae Boyz so far.

The match will be played on September 9 at the National Stadium in Kingston.