Newcastle United midfielder makes U-turn on future after linking up with former Man Utd coach

The 29-year-old has been called up to the Jamaica squad for their two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against the USA. It comes after Hayden switched his allegiances having previously represented England at youth level.

“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,” Hayden explained.

“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.”

Hayden links up with former Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren and Premier League stars such as Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock, Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey and West Ham United’s Michail Antonio.

Jamaica first host the USA at the 35,000-seater national stadium before travelling for the return leg early next week, which will take place at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri.

“I’m looking forward to both games, especially the home game” added Hayden. “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.”

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Hayden joined the Magpies from Arsenal, just months after McClaren was sacked as head coach.

The midfielder has made 171 appearances for United but hasn’t made a first-team appearance in almost three years after being frozen out by Eddie Howe. He spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Norwich City before temporary spells at Standard Liege and Queens Park Rangers last season.

Having failed to secure a loan move away from Tyneside in the summer, Hayden represented the under-21s six weeks ago in their National League Cup win at Halifax Town.

“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,” Hayden added.

“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.”