Although he hasn’t played for the Reggae Boyz in almost a year, Leon Bailey says his great relationship with Head Coach Steve McClaren has intensified his desire to return to the national senior men’s team.

The Aston Villa winger hasn’t been involved in international duty since Jamaica’s historic 3-2 win away to Canada on November 21, 2023 in the Concacaf Nations League A quarter-finals.

Bailey missed the semi-finals of the Nations League in March of this year after being suspended by Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson for breaking curfew during last November’s camp.

Bailey subsequently announced, in an interview with Jamaican podcaster Jaii Frais, that he would be taking a break from the national team which saw him turn down a call-up to last June’s Copa America tournament after initially being named in the squad.

However, he was set to return under newly appointed Head Coach McClaren during September’s Nations League games against Cuba and Honduras but had to withdraw after picking up a hamstring injury during Aston Villa’s English Premier League clash against Leicester City a week before. He also missed the October games against Nicaragua and Honduras.

But Bailey’s return is expected this month as the Jamaica Observer has learnt that, barring any last-minute changes, he’s set to be named in the 23-man squad for the two-legged Nations League quarter-finals against the United States on November 14 and 18.

Bailey says he’s eager to make his long-awaited return after having positive discussions with McClaren.

“The relationship with [McClaren] is good. I feel like I’ve known him for years and we haven’t met officially in person yet. I’m excited to be going back with the national team and try to help as much as possible, be there, and enjoy the moment,” he told Sky Sports recently.

“He’s definitely trying to change a lot there and as I said, we’ve never met in person but I feel I know this man for years because we speak so much and he’s giving all the confidence already.”

Bailey, who has five goals in 30 appearances for the national team, was heavily criticised by some local supporters recently after playing for Villa against Manchester United on October 6, two days after being left out of the Reggae Boyz squad, though McClaren at the time did admit that he was left out as a precaution.

Bailey was disappointed with the narrative from fans, saying the recovery period wasn’t easy.

“The injuries delayed me going back twice and it’s not the best thing recovering from injuries. It’s a difficult process, a lot of people on the outside wouldn’t understand when a player is really injured and what they go through mentally and how difficult it can be, it can be challenging and if you don’t have the right people around you, it can get really challenging.”

Although having issues with the Jamaica Football Federation in the past, Bailey reaffirmed his passion for the country.

“I’m a very proud Jamaican, I wear the badge on my chest and I wave the flag high every time, every situation, every moment I get the opportunity to do so. I’m definitely a proud Jamaican.”

After impressing during the 2023/24 season with 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Aston Villa, Bailey is yet to get off the goal mark this season, going scoreless in 13 appearances, though registering two assists.

However, he says he’s hoping to overcome his injury issues and get back to his eye-catching form.

“I am definitely not at my best, I don’t even think I am close. But this is football. That’s why we come in and we work. You have good moments and bad moments. We are professionals and I have been in the game a long time to understand that whenever it’s not your moment, the only thing you are able to control is yourself and how hard you’re willing to work to get back to that level. It’s about working hard every day,” said Bailey.

“You have to work hard and your results will come. I will get back to where I need to be. I have amazing teammates who have been pushing me and being there for me. It’s just one family and I think I will definitely get back to where I need to be.”

Bailey went on as an 80th-minute substitute in Aston Villa’s 1-4 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Alvin Jones (left) of Trinidad and Tobago and Leon Bailey of Jamaica battle for control of the ball in first-half action during the Concacaf Gold Cup match at Citypark in St Louis, Missouri, on June 28, 2023. Photo: AFP