Credit: Imago / Concacaf on YouTube

Dan Godfrey

Sat 22 March 2025 12:30, UK

Isaac Hayden is enjoying a new lease of life in his career as he hits 30 as a Portsmouth player and a fully-fledged international.

The experienced midfielder celebrated his 30th birthday on Saturday (22 March), having spent the final night of his twenties playing the full 90 minutes as he starred for Jamaica against St Vincent & the Grenadines.

The CONCACAF Gold Cup preliminary tie’s first leg ended 1-1 at Arnos Vale (21 March), with Aston Villa star Leon Bailey converting a penalty with the last kick of the game to prevent a shock defeat to the small Caribbean island nation.

Hayden hits 30 as a full international at Portsmouth

Hayden was widely considered a very useful prospective loan arrival when he signed at Portsmouth in January, adding crucial experience.

The midfield man was barely getting a sniff under Eddie Howe with Newcastle United, and now reunites with long-time Tyneside teammate Matt Ritchie at Fratton Park.

While dovetailing in and out of the Portsmouth side with Andre Dozzell, Freddie Potts and Marlon Pack – when the skipper plays in midfield – Hayden has been a handy acquisition and is clearly loving his new-found international opportunity.

Hayden just missed the sliding doors with Steve McClaren’s sorry spell at Newcastle, joining the club just months after McClaren was sacked at St James’ Park. However, the two have joined forces for the Jamaican national team.

McClaren gave Hayden the whole game for his third cap in St Vincent, with the second leg of the tie to take place in Kingston on 26 March before the Pompey ace flies back to the UK.

Jamaica giving stars from English leagues international chance

Hayden, born in Essex, represented England in every age group from Under-16 up to Under-21, but finally got his senior international chance when he debuted for Jamaica last year.

With over 250 senior appearances to his name and plenty more still to offer, the Portsmouth loanee will be looking to significantly add to his collection of caps over the next few years.

Jamaica’s matchday squad on Friday night included eight players from the English leagues, chief among them goalscorer Bailey, as well as Bobby Decordova-Reid, Ethan Pinnock and Amari’i Bell.

Michail Antonio, as well as former Pompey stars Jamal Lowe and Di’shon Bernard, are also among the players to have represented the Reggae Boyz of late. Demarai Gray is a key player, having left Everton for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in 2023.

Plenty of English fans are keen to see how many recognisable stars fare for Jamaica now so many eligible players have declared themselves available for selection for McClaren’s squad, giving them a new opportunity to represent their roots.