KINGSTON, Jamaica— Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey has been included in the 23-man Reggae Boyz squad for their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final home-and-away tie against the USA, set for November 14 and 18, ending a year-long, self-imposed hiatus from the team.

Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren made the announcement at Saturday’s virtual press conference, which also included a first call-up for Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden and a recall for striker Shamar Nicholson, who had missed the most recent camp, along with Di’Shon Bernard, who was out due to injuries.

During the press briefing, McClaren said he had several conversations with Bailey, who he noted was “absolutely delighted and enthusiastic” about returning to contribute to the upcoming games.

Bailey had not made himself available for the Reggae Boyz team since November 2023, when he was suspended by then-coach Heimir Hallgrímsson for missing curfew after a victory over Canada. He was called up for the games against Cuba and Honduras in early September but was unable to participate due to injuries.

As expected, Bobby De Cordova-Reid was not included due to injuries and the anticipated birth of his child during the camp.

Michail Antonio, who is included in the squad, will be ineligible for the first game due to yellow card accumulation but will be eligible to play in the second.

Squad:

Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Shaquan Davis, Dexter Lembikisa, Tayvon Gray, Damion Lowe, Mason Holgate, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Di’Shon Bernard, Amari’i Bell, Greg Leigh, Joel Latibeaudiere, Isaac Hayden, Karoy Anderson, Kasey Palmer, Tyreek Magee, Leon Bailey, Kaheim Dixon, Shamar Nicholson, Romario Williams, Demarai Gray, Renaldo Cephas, Michail Antonio.

-Paul A Reid