Arnett Gardens' Rohan Reid celebrates with teammates. - File

Arnett Gardens midfielder Rohan Reid says despite claims in some quarters that he is too old to represent the Reggae Boyz, and should not have been recalled, he is confident of doing well.

The 28-year-old, who has been one of the most outstanding players in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL), and the Kingston and St Andrew Jackie Bell Knockout competition, was recently invited by the national coaching staff ahead of the team's two international friendlies against Cuba next week.

"I think the coaches are looking for players who are performing and if they find a player at 30 or 31 years old who is giving the work that a 17-year-old is giving, they would be ok with that," said Reid.

"It (the call-up) is something that I am really happy for as I have been putting in a lot of work in my game over the years, and it is good to be reaping some reward.

"Some would say that getting this call-up is a bit late in my career, but I disagree, as long as you are willing to work, and you are doing the work that you need to do, it's never too late."

The 6' 3" Reid, who in 2010 represented Jamaica at the CONCACAF Beach Soccer FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Mexico where he emerged as the leading goalscorer with nine goals in three games, has been a tower of strength for Arnett Gardens, who are presently in mid-table of the RSPL.

Making timely interceptions, stringing passes, and scoring on occasions, the former Wadadah and Meadhaven central's name has been been on the lips of many football fans, including Reggae Boyz coach Theodore Whitmore.

good midfielder

"He has size, he has vision, and he is good in both defence and attack, which are generally the attributes of a good midfielder, and the hope is that if given the opportunity at the international level he will be able to give the same sort of performance or better," Whitmore said.

The first match against Cuba, the first for the Reggae Boyz in over a year at home, will be played at the National Stadium on Wednesday, February 22, while the second is scheduled for the Montego Sports Complex on February 24.

Jamaica, who are preparing for their first World Cup qualifier against Guatemala at the National Stadium on June 8, will then jet off to Asia on February 25 for a clash with Oceanic powerhouse New Zealand on February 29. The Boyz are also slated to play Costa Rica on March 21 and Panama on May 27.