Isaac Hayden with a tale of good news/bad news


 
 
 
 
 
 

Isaac Hayden made his international debut on Friday.

Coming off the bench in Kingston, Jamaica in a 1-0 home loss to the USA.

The Newcastle United midfielder had made clear (see below) how proud he was at the age of 29, to get his first call up for Jamaica, his father having been born there.

Friday’s match was the first of two against the USA, Jamaica with a double header Concacaf Nations League quarter-final.

Monday night (1am Tuesday in UK time) saw Jamaica look to turn around this two-legged quarter-final when they met the USA in St Louis, Missouri.

It was very much a case of good news/bad news time for Isaac Hayden.

The 29 year old made his first ever international start BUT Jamaica found themselves 3-0 down (4-0 on aggregate) by half-time.

On 53 minutes a tiny glimmer of hope for Jamaica, as Isaac Hayden got his first ever international assist, setting up Demarai Gray to score.

However, only three minutes later the USA restored their significant advantage, as they made it 4-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.

Gray pulled another goal back on 68 minutes but the USA saw out the 4-2 victory, to progress to the semi-final with a 5-2 aggregate win.

Another positive though for Isaac Hayden, was that despite Steve McClaren making five subs, the NUFC midfielder played the full match.

Hopefully these internationals will help put Isaac Hayden in the shop window and now playing some football, maybe see a club come in and offer him regular football, with Newcastle United then saving a few quid on the wage bill. Hayden still with more than 19 months to go on his Newcastle United contract, which isn’t set to conclude until 30 June 2026.

The 29 year old showing some decent form in these two internationals and of course just as importantly, his fitness. After a tough time for much of the last few years with injury and fitness issues.

Isaac Hayden talking to The Gleaner – 13 November 2024:

“I’m looking forward to both games, especially the home game. I think playing on Jamaican soil in the first leg is important. The atmosphere will be cracking.

“The main thing for us is to go out there and do everyone proud.

“My dad was born in Jamaica and he moved from Jamaica to England when he was nine and both my grandparents from that side were both born in Jamaica as well, so that’s a good line of heritage.

“I still have some family members over here that will come to the game on Thursday.

“It’s good to finally get it done and get it over the line.

“It’s been a long time coming and I’m just looking forward to it.

“I’ve known the gaffer for a while, obviously with his history in England and we’ve had a few conversations before and he thought I could add to the group in a positive way.

“I wanted to come here and try to contribute the best way possible to hopefully improve the team and improve the chances of getting to the next round of the Concacaf [Nations League] and obviously, looking further ahead, World Cup qualification.”