NATHAN Redmond reveals that he hasn’t turned down the opportunity to play for Jamaica’s national team after being approached, but admits the reason why “it’s not top on my priority list at the moment.”

As reported by the Daily Echo in April, the Saints winger was among a number of English-born professionals with Jamaican heritage who have been offered the chance to represent the Reggae Boyz on the international stage this year.

But speaking to us again after the dust has settled, he has revealed that it’s not the ideal timing for him as he is expecting the birth of his first child in the coming months – something that takes priority over international football.

The likes of Premier League names Michail Antonio and Ethan Pinnock received a first Jamaica call-up this year, as well as Championship big-hitters Bobby Decordova-Reid, Daniel Johnson and Jamal Lowe among the group.

Daily Echo: Former Bristol City and Cardiff City striker Bobby Decordova-Reid has been playing for Jamaica since 2019 (Pic: PA)Former Bristol City and Cardiff City striker Bobby Decordova-Reid has been playing for Jamaica since 2019 (Pic: PA)

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Birmingham-born Redmond has represented England at every age group from under-16 up, including making his international bow in a friendly against Germany in 2019 – he’s even the fifth-top goalscorer in England under-21 history (10 in 38).

Daily Echo: Nathan Redmond is a former England international (Pic: PA)Nathan Redmond is a former England international (Pic: PA)

But on the 27-year-old’s Jamaica decision, he told us: “No, I’ve not decided against it.

“They’ve made contact but at the moment I’ve got some things going on, I’m expecting my first child in a couple of months so on my priority list it’s not top, top there at the moment.

“It’s not ideal at the moment, but I’ve had a few conversations with people in the background so, you know, the conversations are ongoing, but it’s just a couple of things that are more important to me at the moment.”

Daily Echo: The Saints attacker has made six appearances in the Premier League this campaign (Pic: Stuart Martin)The Saints attacker has made six appearances in the Premier League this campaign (Pic: Stuart Martin)

With FIFA World Cup 2022 qualification well under way, the Jamaican football federation hoped they could inspire enough eligible overseas players to create a competitive squad, captained by stalwart Adrian Mariappa.

The team have only ever appeared at one World Cup, in France 1998, and were knocked out in the group stage despite registering an historic victory over Japan.

But Redmond says he’s had chats with some of his footballing friends who are involved, and admits it gives him “encouragement".

He added: “Yeah, I’ve spoken to most of the players who are there like Daniel Johnson, Kemar Roofe, Michs (Antonio).

Daily Echo: Michail Antonio, who was sent off against Saints this season, made his Jamaica debut in September (Pic: PA)Michail Antonio, who was sent off against Saints this season, made his Jamaica debut in September (Pic: PA)

“All these players I’ve spoken to going there and I’ve known them for years, so all those players going there and enjoying it, speaking to them they’re enjoying the vibes and the setup that’s happening out there.

“It does give me good encouragement but as I said I haven’t made my full decision yet, talks are ongoing.”