NEW Arnett Gardens’ sensation, striker Errol Stevens, was due to leave the island at 6:00 this morning for a two-week trial stint in the Asian country of Vietnam, thus passing up on the opportunity for his second cap for Jamaica.

The former Harbour View and Portmore United player, who recently received his first senior national team cap against Colombia in Fort Lauderdale, expressed disappointment at not being able to accept the invitation of national senior team coach Theodore Whitmore for a training camp starting Wednesday in preparation for a friendly match against Honduras on October 11 in that country.

Stevens said it’s not easy to be faced with such a dilemma, but believes this is a step in the right direction for his fledgling professional career.

“I get a trial in Vietnam, so really and truly it’s not about not taking up the (national team) offer. I am disappointed in myself because I really wanted to represent the country again,” he said after his local team’s 1-2 loss to Boys’ Town in the National Premier League yesterday.

The period of his trial stint in the south-east Asian country clashes with the schedule of the Reggae Boyz game, which complicated the situation for the player.

“Unfortunately the trial is in the same period as the Jamaica game, so I will just have to miss this one… but I sent a letter to the federation (explaining the reason for not to joining the team), so hopefully I will get another chance after the trial,” said Stevens.

The 21-year-old has experience playing overseas, following a season in Russia.

Steven is now looking forward to the new challenge.

“It’s a different country, so you will have to expect a different style of play, but I will just have to adjust as fast as I can when I go there and see for myself,” he said.

The flamboyant striker, who will be trying out with a number of clubs during his stint in the country, said he is hoping that his performances are good enough to get him a deal.

“If my performance is good, one of them (clubs) could offer me a contract,” he stated.

Stevens is Arnett Gardens’ leading scorer so far this season with three goals from four games.

Harbour View’s Kavin Bryan and Andre Fagan and Tivoli Gardens’ Devon Hodges have had stints playing in Vietnam’s top division.

Meanwhile, JFF general secretary Horace Reid, said “it’s always going to be a delicate balancing act for players, clubs and the JFF when personal opportunities or circumstances emerge for our players.”

“It is in this vein that the JFF technical staff has the task to evaluate each case on merit. This is so in particular for FIFA match date obligations. The JFF wants the best for our players and recognise the need for our players to advance their career and economic agenda,” he said.