After finishing the regular season as the leading goal scorer in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL), Tivoli Gardens forward Justin Dunn says he wants to be a regular in the national team as well as securing a contract overseas.

The 20-year-old, who joined the club at 17, was being deployed as a defender two years ago, but is now excelling in a more attacking role as he’s netted 16 goals in 24 appearances. His goals have also been pivotal for the west Kingston-based club as they finished third in the table, securing a play-off spot for the first time since 2021.

Dunn says he’s been elated with the impact that he’s made in the league this season.

“It’s always a dream and the dream is coming to reality because to be honest,” he told the
Jamaica Observer. “I never expected to reach so far, as a 20-year-old playing no Manning cup, just coming on the stage and displaying good talent week in, week out. I’m very proud of myself, I can’t complain, honestly.”

Dunn’s performances have also caught the eye of the Reggae Boyz coaching staff. After weeks of call-ups to a national senior men’s training camp, Heimir Hallgrimsson gave Dunn his first senior caps last month. He started in the 1-0 win over hosts Trinidad and Tobago in an unofficial friendly match on March 1, then came off the bench in the teams’ 0-0 draw two days later.

Dunn says the experience was a stepping stone in achiever greater things in his career.

“They [the coaching staff] pointed out that there must be a reason [I] got called for the national team,” he said. “I’ve been playing good football for my club and many would have wanted that opportunity. When I got the call that I was going on the trip to Trinidad, I was very excited and was ready to start. In the early half of the season, the objective was to get a national call-up and it came. I was proud of the performance that I put up with the team.

“For the first time playing for the team, the pace and tempo was very high, different from in Jamaica, so I had to have quick thinking and quick execution. But for me, it’s a prep for the bigger stage for Europe, a little glance of what is outside of the country; so it was a good experience.”

Tivoli Gardens Head Coach Jerome Waite has been delighted with Dunn’s progress but says more work needs to be done.

“There are times where I take time out to talk to him,” Waite said. “The fact I have a lot of experience at the national level, I try to sit him down and let him understand what is expected when you reach the national level. It’s not only to get a chance to showcase your talent, you have to think about being there on a long-term basis. So far, he has been doing fairly well and we are hoping for great things down the road.”

Although his national and European dreams are down the road, Dunn is focused on bringing success to his current club.

“I’m very motivated,” he said. “The [national] call kind of lifted my spirit in how I’m approaching certain things in terms of the game. I’m very into the game because I want to finish the season on a high and bring Tivoli the trophy.”

Tivoli haven’t won the league since the 2010-11 season. The five-time champions will do battle with former champions Waterhouse in the two-legged quarter-finals of the JPL, starting on April 22.