Jamaican international Darren Mattocks seems set for an extended stay with USA Major League Soccer (MLS) club Vancouver Whitecaps, despite having endured a difficult second season at the Canadian-based club.

After an exceptional Rookie year, Mattocks struggled to make an impact in his second season, managing to start only four games and ending with just three goals and an assist from 20 appearances. The player was later forced to apologise to the club after an interview on local television in which he blamed the club and former head coach Martin Rennie for holding him back.

new season

The club's President Bob Lenarduzzi and new head coach Carl Robinson have already indicated an intention to keep the player for the new season.

"Darren's a fantastic individual," Robinson said in a Canadian press conference yesterday, following his unveiling on Tuesday.

"He's got fantastic attributes as a player. Obviously, Darren off the field, maybe, has been misquoted once or twice. But I know Darren's footballing ability and I know what makes Darren tick and what doesn't make Darren tick.

"Darren's a big part of this club at the moment and he will continue to be while I'm here, unless that changes.

"So, come the first day at training camp, I will be hard on Darren because I know he's got so much potential. I said from the outset, it's my job to unlock the potential of the young players and Darren certainly has got that.

"I look forward to that challenge because I have a good relationship with Darren. I know he can score goals but it's getting him right. He wants to reach for the stars and I want to help him get to the stars."