New Reggae Boy Mason Holgate got his first taste of what the Caribbean heat is like following his first training session at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Holgate, who plays for West Brom in the second tier of English football, was born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, but qualifies to play for Jamaica because of his grandparents from his father’s side.

Having represented England at the Under-20 and Under-21 levels, Holgate, who Jamaica has pursued for some years, finally decided to put on the colours of black, gold and green.

“So, my grandma and granddad are both from Jamaica and then they moved over to England. So, it’s both my grandma and granddad from my dad’s side,” he explained as he relaxed after an early morning training session, which he said was okay.

“You know, first training, the sun. Today was the first day I trained. It’s really hot, really hot,” he emphasised.

He continued: “Not quite what we used to train in, in England. But, yeah, really hot! But that’s part of what makes it so enjoyable. And there’s a lot to look forward to in this team, and I’m excited to be here.”

Holgate then left the island a few hours later on Tuesday with his new teammates en route to Nicaragua, where he should make his Reggae Boyz debut on Thursday.

“I’ve come a day later than everybody else. So today was the first day that I trained. But, yeah, it’s been good. It’s been good to get to know the boys and they’ve made me feel quite welcome straight away. I’ve enjoyed it,” he reiterated.

Holgate, who will turn 28 years old on October 22, is expected to bolster the Jamaican backline, having represented Premier League outfit Everton 127 times while scoring three goals.

He comes with a wealth of experience and should make a formidable partnership with Bentford’s centre-back Ethan Pinnock and good friend Demarai Gray from their Everton days.

“We got on really well. I’ve not gotten to see him for a year or so now, since we both left Everton. So, to be able to see him, I was really looking forward to seeing him and then when I got here and saw him, I was buzzing,” said Holgate.

“I’ve been in the Premier League and the Championship now for 10 years. So, quite a lot of the boys I know from just playing against and stuff like that. So, it’s been quite easy for me to come in because I’ve played against them, and know quite a lot of them before. So, you’re now a Reggae Boy,” said Holgate.

He will team up with the likes of Mikhail Antonio (West Ham), Bobby Reid (Fulham), Leon Bailey (Aston Villa), Dexter Lembikisa (Wolves), Karoy Anderson (Charlton Athletics), Kasey Palmer (Hull City), Greg Leigh (Oxford United), DiShon Bernard (Sheffield Wednesday), Joel Latibeaudiere (Coventry City) and Kaheim Dixon (Charlton Athletics), all plying their trade in England.

“I think it’s just a very exciting time to be part of the team. I think, obviously, with the new manager who’s done so much before in football and I think if you look at the squad, it gets better every campaign and seems to look stronger,” said Holgate.

“I think we’ve all got the goal of going to the World Cup, and that’s all I wanna do and I believe that I can help get to that point,” he concluded.