The return of Paul Wilson to the Red Stripe Premier League did not go unnoticed on Sunday.

The former Portmore United player not only had a big influence in his new team Cavalier FC beating Boys’ Town, but also got his name on the scoresheet when he slotted home the final goal in their 4-1 thrashing of the ‘Red Brigade’.

Wilson was playing in his first game since his return to Jamaica from the US Soccer League, where he played for two seasons with the Harrisburg City Islanders. For the 24-year-old, it was two years well spent playing football in the USA.

“It was very good there. It’s like a stepping stone so people can see you to move on to Europe or the MLS. I didn’t win any trophies there, but there was a big derby win over our main rivals, Pittsburgh,” he said.

The lessons learned at the Florida-based club are sure to help with his continued development, and it is also something that Wilson will be able to impart to his new teammates.

“I learned a lot there. Professionalism is the most important thing and you have to have the right attitude towards training. We lived as a family there and now I am here trying to help the younger players, even though I am pretty young myself,” Wilson explained.

Wonderful was how the “nippy” player described scoring on debut after he and his family came to the decision for him to play for the Rudolph Speid-coached team.

“It’s a wonderful feeling because, when I came back, a lot of people were saying that I should go back to Portmore or go back to Arnett Gardens. However, me and my family sat and made a decision together and I decided that I am coming to Cavalier because I know they have a good crop of young players here,” he revealed.

The ambitious Wilson believes that the willingness of the young players at his new club will be a key component in whatever success they are able to achieve this season.

“It is good to play with the youngsters because they listen and they are willing to work, and that is the most important thing. Once they are willing to work then we can achieve good things. I am looking to bring leadership to the team. My plan is to help the team as best as possible and try to win some silverware,” Wilson noted.

The Cavalier head coach could not contain his delight at being able to secure the signature of a player he sees as a perfect fit at the club.

“One of the reasons why we went for Paul Wilson is because we knew that he would complement what we have, his quickness, his skill, hard work and his experience, which we lack,” said a clearly excited Speid.

“Paul is only 24, but he has played at this level for about seven years. Once we realised he was available, we went all out to get him and we know that he would fit into the system,” said the Cavalier coach.

Just like every other Jamaican boy who puts on a pair of football boots, the former Glenmuir High daCosta Cup player has his sights set on playing for the Reggae Boyz.

“Every player in Jamaica wants to play for the national team; that is like a dream, so I want to accomplish that dream,” Wilson told the Jamaica Observer.

The win on Sunday saw fourth-placed Cavalier move up to 34 points, within two points of third-placed Tivoli Gardens, with just one set of games left to be played to complete the second round.

Both clubs were scheduled to meet at the Seaga Complex yesterday, a fixture orginally set for Wednesday.

— Dwayne Richards