It’s smooth sailing for new Reggae Boy Isaac Hayden who experienced his first training sessions with his new teammates here in Jamaica.

The 29-year-old Newcastle defensive midfielder looks set to make his debut for Jamaica after being called up by head coach Steve McClaren for two crucial CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final games against the United States of America.

“The first day has been fantastic. Everything’s been fine. Smooth sailing. I’m really enjoying myself so far,” said Hayden, in his first interview with the Jamaica Football Federation’s press officer Simon Preston on Monday. “The lads and the staff welcomed me in so well and I’m just really excited to be here and hoping to contribute.” Hayden is the latest of a slew of English-born players who represented England at the youth level but with their international careers stagnant, have made the switch to Jamaica.

“So, my dad was born in Jamaica. He moved from Jamaica to England when he was nine, bless him, and both my grandparents on that side were born in Jamaica as well. So, there’s a good line of heritage there,” he pointed out. “I’ve still got some family members over here now, which I think are gonna come to the game on Thursday. So, it’s good to finally get it done and get it over the line. Long time coming and I’m just looking forward to it.”

Hayden who plays as a defensive midfielder and can play as a defender, will more than fight for that holder position with Joel Latibeaudiere or if McClaren goes for the double pivot they will partner each other in the middle of the park.

But Hayden is just relishing meeting the boys who are here early.

“Good session with some of the lads. Obviously, some of the lads are still to come, but you know, still a good group out there today training. Acclimatizing to the weather, obviously, it’s a bit different,” said Hayden.

Hayden could play a significant role against the Americans in the first leg set for November 14 at the National Stadium in Kingston and for the return leg on November 18 in St Louis, USA as coach McClaren renews his rivalry with Mauricio Pochettino.

Hayden revealed he and McClaren have been in dialogue for a while as he knows him from his coaching days in England. “I’ve known the gaffer for a while, obviously, a big history in England and I said we had a few conversations before and it was something that he thought I could add to the group in a positive way,” said Hayden. “And for me, I want to come in and add in a positive way and try to contribute the best way possible to, obviously, hopefully, improve the team and improve the chances of getting to the next round of the CONCACAF Nations League,” he emphasized.

 “Then, obviously, looking further ahead is World Cup qualification, which is a huge goal of everyone here,” Hayden added.