Custodian hopes lack of playing time in Philadelphia will not prevent national call-up

GORDON WILLIAMS, Star Writer

Major League Soccer (MLS) rookie André Blake isn't overly concerned that a current lack of first team games with Philadelphia Union will hamper his chances to become Jamaica's top goalkeeper.

With competition for the senior Reggae Boyz' number one shirt wide open following Donovan Ricketts's retirement from international football, Blake said he'll work hard with his club and hope Jamaica coach Winfried Schäfer keeps faith in him.

"There is no sense in worrying, because worrying won't help the situation," Blake explained Wednesday. "I would love if I was playing, but I'm not playing. So, I mean, I just gotta do my best to try to stay sharp in practice."

Match experience is invaluable, but Blake has been restricted to reserve club fixtures. He wants to remain in contention for Jamaica, especially with upcoming games against Serbia, France, Switzerland and Canada.

"With games it's bit of a difference, because you need games to grow," said Blake.

"If or whenever I get a call up to the national team I can just use what I've learned so far in the reserve games."

Blake was called up for friendlies against Barbados and St Lucia last month. He's back-up to incumbent Zac MacMath in Philadelphia, although the 23-year-old from May Pen was selected first overall in the January MLS SuperDraft, the only goalkeeper with that honour in North America's top professional league. However, MacMath, 22, is in his fourth MLS season. The American started all Philadelphia's league games in 2013, recording a 1.29 goals against average, with 12 shutouts.

"It wasn't going to be a cake walk for Andre," Jamaican agent Damani Ralph said yesterday, noting Blake's MLS competition.

"They (Philadelphia) weren't going to hand Andre the job."

However, Blake described his rookie experience as "great" and a "stepping stone." He's embracing pro sports after three outstanding seasons at the University of Connecticut.

"(MLS) is a faster pace game," said Blake. "So just getting acclimatised to the pace of the game and playing with professional players, they're smarter players. They think quickly.

"It's just all positive all the way round, because it's gonna help you to develop into a better player, once you can adjust."

It's "pretty smooth off the field" too, according to Blake, who earned a Generation adidas contract. However, he conceded he must be patient for MLS action.

"It's gonna be a waiting game, definitely," Blake said, " I am willing to wait 'til my number is called."

Competition for Jamaica's top job is also keen. Dwayne Miller, Duwayne Kerr and Richard McCallum have World Cup qualifying experience. Others lurk. Anxious to prove himself, Blake hopes Philadelphia considers non-league fixtures, like the US Open Cup, if MLS starting isn't immediately possible.

"I'm getting positive feedback," Blake said. "So I'd be hoping that in a case like that they would wanna put me in, to see what I can do and how well I stand up."