Topey happy to be back among Reggae Boyz

MOUNT PLEASANT Academy defender Jamoi Topey says he was surprised to be called into Jamaica’s squad for this month’s final round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, following a long spell on the sidelines due to injury.

The Reggae Boyz will open their campaign away to Bermuda on September 5 before hosting Trinidad and Tobago at the National Stadium on September 9.

Topey, a 25-year-old central defender, admitted that the call-up came as a shock, given he had only recently returned to action after recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee that kept him out since October last year.

“To be honest, I would say I am a bit surprised after being out so long, so I didn’t expect it,” Topey said. “I just have to go out there and keep my head down and work harder whenever I step out on the field.”

“I definitely am going there with the mindset to even play, so it is not just about getting the call-up, I also want to play.”

Topey, who has nine international caps, only returned to competitive action a few matches ago for Mount Pleasant Academy in the Caribbean Club Championships. Despite the challenges of the past year, he said he is delighted to be back in the national set-up.

“It is a good feeling, because I have been off the scene for the past year, struggling with injuries and stuff like that, so to get back a national call-up is a very good feeling. I can tell you that I am feeling much better and stronger, and I just keep on working every day after training,” he said.

He admitted the recovery period was mentally difficult, but insists he is now ready to give his best.

“It was very tough for me being out for so long, because I had to just sit and watch football being played and I couldn’t play, so it was hard for me mentally. I am now feeling a hundred per cent better; and like I said before, it is just my time now, so I am just going to keep working and staying humble,” Topey said.