Tough training with Portmore should help me prevail – Walker

Although he has not played competitively for months, national midfielder Lamar Walker is banking on his intense training with his club Portmore United to enable him to produce the juice he will need to take on international duty once again.

The 20-year-old Walker is among the local contingent of players who are currently in Saudi Arabia ahead of the two friendlies against the host country, starting this Saturday at 12:00 noon Jamaica time at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium in Riyadh.

Eight months have passed since the previous local Premier League campaign was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic. Walker says that his background work with Portmore has put him in the best position to perform, despite not playing a competitive fixture since March.

"I have been training with the club, doing beep tests, going to the gym, doing all sorts of workouts. So, I'm ready," Walker told STAR Sports.

Walker noted the new additions to the team, which include striker Dean Andre Thomas acquired from neighbouring Dunbeholden. He said that the rigorous practices with his club have all been in preparation for once again playing a role for the national team.

"The training sessions are getting harder, but I don't mind. I've been working so hard because I know this day would come and we have to turn out for my country, and I have to do what I have to do," Walker said.

Since making his senior debut on October 13, 2019, he has gone on to make five appearances, scoring his first international goal in the Concacaf Nations League fixture against Aruba on October 16, 2019, where they won 6-0. His last international appearance was the country's final game before the coronavirus brought a hiatus to world football, a 2-0 win over Bermuda on March 11.