JAMAICAN left-back Shaun Francis is anticipating a return to the national set-up after spending almost the entire season on the sidelines with US Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Columbus Crew.

Francis, 25, made his international debut last October in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago and went on to represent the Reggae Boyz five times, including a starring role in the 2010 Digicel Caribbean Cup championship team.

His progress in the senior set-up was, however, cut short due to injuries which also limited him to a handful of appearances in the just-concluded MLS season.

“This year never went as planned,” the former Glenmuir High daCosta Cupper said.

“I was injured for most of the season because I tore my hamstring twice and pulled my groin once, so I ended up playing only six games.”

But with his setbacks now behind him, the former Sporting Central Academy player is itching to get back to full fitness, especially with the semi-final round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers just around the corner.

“Most of the games that the national team played this year I was either injured or wasn’t fit to come, so I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“But going into pre-season I just have to try and stay injury-free. That’s the first and most important thing in order to ensure that there is longevity for next season. I just have to work hard and get used to playing at the top level again,” he added.

The Reggae Boyz are drawn in Group A of the Qualifiers and will open their campaign at home against Guatemala on June 8. Theodore Whitmore’s team will also face the United States and Antigua and Barbuda in the home-and-away semi-final round.

During Francis’ absence from the national team, the left-back position has mostly been occupied by attacking midfielder Demar Phillips.

Francis, who is currently in the Island on his MLS off-season break, said: “As a player, you’re always looking forward to the national team because you always want to try and solidify your position.

“You always want to go out there and represent yourself well to make sure that you become a household name.”