YOU would not have blamed Lee Williamson for thinking his international days were over before they had started.

The veteran Blackburn Rovers midfielder was first called-up by Jamaica seven years ago.

But Williamson’s hopes of winning his maiden cap were dashed when he suffered an injury.

Since then he was overlooked by a succession of Reggae Boyz bosses until he was brought in from the cold by Winfried Schafer for his side’s crucial 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Nicaragua.

The first leg of which comes tonight at Independence Park in Kingston where Williamson hopes to start his international career at the age of 33.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “It’s exciting times and I am glad to be back in the squad.

“I am pleased with myself. It’s been a while, seven-odd years since I came over, and this time I’m looking to play.”

Williamson has been restricted to just one appearance for Rovers so far this season.

But he was a regular for Gary Bowyer last season, making enough appearances to trigger a new one-year contract.

“I’ve been playing regular football in the Championship in England and that must be one of the main reasons (for the recall),” said Williamson. “I am playing in a good league in England.

“I still haven’t left my hunger, and I can’t wait to get out there. Hopefully, I’ll start in the first game and the second game as well.

“It’s going to be an exciting game, and I’m looking for a good performance.

“Hopefully I will be able to hold down my position.

“I am playing for a good team in England. Last season, I played 35 games for Blackburn and, hopefully, I can bring that form over here as we’ve got two games and we’ve got to win.”

Jamaica, who reached the final of this summer’s Gold Cup after a credible debut display at the Copa America, travel to the Dennis Martinez National Stadium in Managua for the second leg on Tuesday.