SHAYNE FAIRMAN, STAR Writer

National goalkeeper André Blake is looking forward to a standout 2015 season after being shortlisted for the 2014 CONCACAF Goalkeeper of the Year award.

Blake, who plies his trade with the Philadelphia Union in the United States' Major League Soccer (MLS), did not win the top award last Tuesday but viewed the nomination as a source of inspiration.

"My goal from here is to continue improving, build on weak areas, and get to the highest point that my ability can take me," he told STAR Sports.

Blake is hoping 2015 will be an exceptional season at the club level, too. He was acquired from DC United in draft-day trade in January. He has played four games for Philadelphia Union since then.

Those matches included a friendly against Crystal Palace, two US Open Cup knock-out games, and an MLS match against Houston Dynamo.

very challenging

"My MLS experience has been awesome. It is very challenging, but challenges will only make me into a better player," Blake said.

While looking ahead to national duties, he is hoping the Reggae Boyz will do well internationally.

Blake stood out at last month's CFU Men's Caribbean Cup win in Montego Bay. Jamaica defeated arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago 4-3 on penalties to win, and Blake won the best goalkeeper award, after conceding just once from regular play.

"CFU gave me a big push. Winning the cup and Golden Glove was tremendous," the 25-year-old shared in an interview last week.

Last week's CONCACAF top goalkeeper award went to Tim Howard of the United States. Costa Rican goalie Keylor Navas was named 2014 Player of the Year.

The top referee award went to Mark Geiger of the USA, while local FIFA official Dwight Royal was among the nominees.

Blake is hoping he can put in more big performances when the Reggae Boyz contest the CONCACAF Gold Cup in late March and the COPA American Cup in June.