Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey looks set to end his year-long absence from the Jamaican team after he was named in the squad to play the United States of America in the CONCACAF Nations League on November 14 and 18.

English head coach Steve McClaren also included for the first time 29-year-old Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden.

“He’s desperate to play. He’s at that stage in his career where it’s, he needs to kick on and this is one of the ways that he can. He’s at Newcastle at the present moment. He needs to find a club, but he’s training, working hard, keeping fit, playing games. And it’s great that we got the passport through for him,” said McClaren. “He visited Jamaica personally himself to be available, so he made that commitment and I think it’s best that he comes in, now rather than waiting for March just to get used to the group and those to get used to him.”

He continued: “So he will be a welcome addition to our squad, in terms of a genuine, number 6 who’s played at the highest level in that position. He’s an ideal candidate for us. So, I’m pleased that we’ve got him”.

Jamaica will play the Americans at home on November 14 before travelling to City Park in St Louis for the return leg as both teams battle for a semi-final spot in the Nations League. Bailey who played in Aston Villa’s 0-2 defeat to Liverpool has not played for Jamaica since November of 2023 after falling out with the Jamaica Football Federation over several issues.

“We’ve had several conversations since I took the job. We’ve really formed a good bond between us and he was so unlucky, the first two camps, through injuries. He’s really suffered from little niggles which has been hampering him,” said McClaren.

“But now he’s had two or three weeks after missing the last camp where he’s got his fitness back. He’s playing regularly now, playing 90 minutes regular, which he did in Champions League during the week. Finally, we’re gonna see Leon Bailey and he’s absolutely delighted,” McClaren added.

Towering striker Shamar Nicholson also made a return to the squad while the likes of Bobby Reid, Norman Campbell and Kevin Lambert were left out for varying reasons.

Striker Michail Antonio of West Ham will be out for the first leg at the National Stadium through yellow cards but will be available for the second leg.

The squad

• Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Shaquan Davis.
• Defenders: Dexter Lembikisa, Tavern Gray, Damion Lowe, Mason Holgate, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Di’shon Bernard, Amari’i Bell, Greg Leigh.
• Midfielders: Joel Latibeaudiere, Isaac Hayden, Karoy Anderson, Kasey Palmer, Tyreek Magee.
• Forwards: Leon Bailey, Kaheim Dixon, Shamar Nicholson, Romario Williams, Demarai Gray, Renaldo Cephas, Michail Antonio.