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Hayden settling into Boyz squad
November 13, 2024
Having completed his first training session as a Reggae Boy, Newcastle United's Isaac Hayden feels he is settling in well with the squad ahead of Jamaica's Concacaf Nations League football fixture against the United States at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.
"It's been a great first day and it's a good first session. Some of the lads are still to come, but it's still a good group out there training," Hayden said.
"I'm acclimatising to the weather, it's a bit different but everything has been fine and I've been really enjoying myself."
The midfielder said he has felt welcomed by his new international teammates and has settled into the team dynamics.
Hayden accepted his first call-up to the Jamaica national team and explained it was due to talks held with head coach Stephen McClaren.
He felt he will be able to bolster Jamaica's midfield and is ready to play his role as the team vies for a spot in the Concacaf Nations League semi-finals.
"I've known the gaffer for a while. Obviously with his history in England and we've had a few conversations before and he thought I could add to the group in a positive way," Hayden explained.
"I wanted to come here and try to contribute the best way possible to hopefully improve the team and improve the chances of getting to the next round of the Concacaf (Nations League) and obviously, looking further ahead, World Cup qualification."
Hayden is expected to make his debut on Thursday and says he is looking forward to playing in front of the home fans.
The moment will be especially important for the midfielder as he will also be playing in front of his family.
Hayden is eligible to wear the national colours through his father, who was born in Jamaica. The midfielder also said he still has family members who live on the island.
"I'm looking forward to both games, especially the home game. I think playing on Jamaican soil in the first leg is important. The atmosphere will be cracking," he said. "The main thing for us is to go out there and do everyone proud.
"My dad was born in Jamaica and he moved from Jamaica to England when he was nine, and both my grandparents from that side were both born in Jamaica as well, so that's a good line of heritage."
He added, "I still have some family members over here that will come to the game on Thursday. It's good to finally get it done and get it over the line, it's been a long time coming and I'm just looking forward to it."
Jamaica will face USA on Thursday in the first leg of the Nations League quarterfinals, before the second leg at City Park Stadium in St Louis, Missouri, on November 18.
Jamaica have yet to beat the United States in a Nations League match.
Their last victory against the Americans came in a 1-0 win in 2019.
