CONTROVERSIAL Forward Mason Greenwood could set his eyes on an international career, after Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson revealed he would have no issues adding him to the national senior men’s team.

This comes after the Jamaica’s Observer’s exclusive story, published on Friday, October 6, wherein relevant stakeholders shared mixed views on the 22-year-old’s potential call-up to the team.

In January 2022 English-born Greenwood, who has Jamaican heritage through his parents, was arrested by Greater Manchester Police for a number of offences including alleged attempted rape and abuse. But charges were dropped in February 2023 by the United Kingdom’s Crown Prosecution Service, which cited citing the withdrawal of key witnesses.

However, after over a year of suspension by Manchester United, the club determined he would no longer be part of the team following a lengthy internal investigation including discussions with key stakeholders such as their sponsors and women’s team.

Greenwood, who scored over 30 goals for United, is now on loan at top flight Spanish club Getafe and has registered an assist in his four appearances so far. Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts and General Secretary Dennis Chung, in previous interviews with the Observer, revealed that they would welcome Greenwood into the set-up, after years of interest.

Hallgrimsson, when asked by the Observer if he would be comfortable with Greenwood playing for the team and what he would add to the squad, made it clear that his past wouldn’t be a factor in his selection.

“I am not different from all coaches in the world; we would like to have the best talent on our team,” Hallgrimsson said on Friday. “If he gets to his former fitness and former levels, for sure he would have that level to help Jamaica.

“For sure, he has some baggage but I think it’s premature to be talking about a player not here. We’d like to focus on our games against Haiti and Grenada with the players we have selected. Whatever happens, will happen but I’m not different from any other coach — I’d like to have the best players with the best abilities to play for my team.”