Isaac Hayden set to make debut for Steve McClaren – Eight years after missing each other at Newcastle United | OneFootball

Back in 2016, Steve McClaren and Isaac Hayden missed each other by a matter of months.

McClaren belatedly sacked in March 2016.

Hayden brought in by Rafa Benitez in summer 2016, as part of a massive overhaul to rebuild the squad, after the shambles the Spaniard had inherited, thanks to Mike Ashley and Steve McClaren.

More than eight years on and Isaac Hayden could now be set to make his first appearance for Steve McClaren.

We reported (see below) last month that McClaren was attempting to recruit Hayden to play for Jamaica.

Now the England Under 21 international is set to turn out for Jamaica.

It is a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarter-final double header against the USA.

This Thursday (1am Friday in UK time), it is Jamaica v USA in Kingston, Jamaica.

Then USA v Jamaica in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday 18 November (1am next Tuesday in UK time).

Good luck to Isaac Hayden as he is set to make his first senior international appearance at the age of 29 and hopefully regular club football will also follow soon, with a move away from St James’ Park (his NUFC contract runs until end of June 2026).

The Mag report – 17 October 2024:

Steve McClaren is now set to recruit Isaac Hayden.

That is according to media reports from the Jamaica Observer and elsewhere.

If you remember. Steve McClaren edged out Steve Bruce in the battle to take over as manager of Jamaica back in July (see below).

Now it is claimed that Isaac Hayden is going to be playing for Jamaica under McClaren.

The midfielder is training with the Newcastle United Under 21s and recently played for them, as he is still contracted to NUFC until end of June 2026 under a ridiculous Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce contract, but not in Eddie Howe’s plans. For whatever reasons, Isaac Hayden not having found another club yet.

However, Isaac Hayden could get some first team football shortly at international level, with claims that Steve McClaren has convinced him to turn out for Jamaica.

The midfielder qualifies to play for the Reggae Boyz through his Jamaican-born father.

Isaac Hayden having represented England from the U16 to U21 level but nothing further, so he is eligible to play for Jamica.

Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray and Mason Holgate have already committed to Jamaica, with claims recently that Mason Greenwood may also do the same.

After getting the Jamaica job, Steve McClaren declared:

“I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of Head Coach for The Jamaica Men’s National Team.

“I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career.

“Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at FIFA as a Technical Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project.

“Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realize the potential the country possessed.