MARC STAMP, Star Writer

Darren Mattocks is back in the Jamaica national men's senior team for upcoming CONCACAF World Cup qualification games in the hexagonal round due mainly to a better work ethic.

Well that is the opinion of Reggae Boyz head coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore who says that the striker, who plays at Vancouver Whitecaps in the USA's Major League Soccer has shown "a new attitude."

Mattocks featured in the previous round, but was left out of the squad after the Digicel Caribbean Cup last December. He was recently called back after missing the first three matches in this final stage, for three automatic spots to the World Cup in Brazil next year.

new challenge

"The more you grow and mature as a player is the more you learn, and as a young player, each and every day brings a new challenge in your life," Mattocks told Star Sports.

"I don't think it is a personal attitude. I have been doing better in the situations and that is good for me as well as the JFF," the 21-year-old striker added.

Yesterday, Mattocks picked up a slight knock when he and teammate Rodolph Austin went into an aerial battle, with Austin landing on Mattock's left leg. He was, however, treated and rejoined the session.

Mattocks was also previously praised by new JFF technical director Alfredo Montesso and coach Whitmore for an excellent game against English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, in The Bahamas on May 23. He played the entire game that ended 0-0.

"I thought I did really well in the game against Tottenham, but as they say, 'self praise is no recommendation', so it's good to know that the coaches were pleased with my performance," he said.

"The thing for me is to stay focused and if given the chance, do well in these crucial games, starting with the one against Mexico. We all know how crucial the next three games are in determining where we go," Mattocks noted.

He is urging the fans to give full support to the team in the two upcoming home games.

"It's not only important to the players, but the entire coaching staff, JFF and the country. The fans play a crucial role. We know that in Jamaica the fans can get hostile whenever we are not doing well. We know that we have to start winning."

Jamaica will play Mexico in a return tie on June 4 at the National Stadium, then face USA three days later at the same venue. Both games start at 8:30 p.m. Then they round off three games in eight days with a fixture against Honduras in that country on June 11.