Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

Deon Burton ... in full cry for Sheffield United. - Contributed

JUST MONTHS shy of 11 years after making his international debut, national striker Deon Burton is as excited to make what he believes will be his 51st appearance for Jamaica.

Thirty-one-year-old Burton was thrown a lifeline recently by technical director Rene Simoes, the man under whom he made his debut, for Jamaica's international friendly this Wednesday against Trinidad and Tobago.

This situation is far removed from the one where he earned almost hero status, along with fellow England-born players Fitzroy Simpson and Paul Hall, after scoring some crucial goals - four in five games, to breathe life into what appeared a dead 1998 World Cup qualification dream.

"When I got the news that I was invited again to play against Trinidad and Tobago I could not contain myself. People must have thought that I was an idiot because you could not take the smile off may face for a number of days," said Burton who lost his 'Golden Boy' status and now represents English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday. "That good news gave me an extra spring in my step as I scored two goals in the two games after that."

Long absence

Prior to the invitation, Burton's last game for the national team was in June 2006 against England when the Reggae Boyz were hammered 6-0. That was after a three-year absence.

"It has been a long time since I have been called into the Jamaican squad but I always saw myself playing for Jamaica again. Whenever there was an international break I would always inquire about an invitation for me and they would always say no, not this time," explained Burton.

The desire to represent his country of choice is largely due to the heights he climbed once he associated himself with the black, gold and green.

"To achieve the height I achieved in 1998 - to represent my country in the World Cup - not everyone has achieved that. That is what keeps me playing," explained Burton who was at first considered surplus to requirements before that fateful game against England.

"All of that experience is something that I could tell my children," said the married father of two with a third child on the way, before adding, "There is still history to be made".

Not a financial decision

As was the case in June 1997 when he, along with Simpson, Hall and others, paid their own way to Jamaica to try out for the national team, playing for Jamaica was never a financial decision for the Reading-born player who captained Sheffield United at the start of the season.

"The money has never really occupied a significant place in my mind when it comes to playing for Jamaica. I remember we were supposed to play a game, it could have been Ghana and I was told I could go home because it was not affordable for them and I told them that I would play for free," he said.

"I was still sent home and when Marlon King was sent home, I was recalled and I still showed up. Nothing beats playing for Jamaica for me," he emphasised.

That statement seems to be more than just talk as in the early part of this decade he was sent a subtle message that he had done his time. It was a message Burton did not want and one he did not accept.

"I was sent a letter thanking me for my services and informing me that the Jamaica Football Federation was going in a different route and looking at youngsters," Burton explained before adding defiantly, "But I did not give up. I have never given up".

Talent Exploded

Burton reminisced, "It was a great achievement to represent Jamaica and to be called into a game for the country after going to Jamaica on a whim with Fitzroy and Paul and to get from that point to being named Sportsman of the Year is almost unreal; sometimes I have to pinch myself," while trying to give greater understanding to his selfless commitment to the Reggae Boyz.

At the time, Burton was a shy 20-year-old who, despite his natural abilities, had to be urged on in trials by Simpson, the eldest of the trio from then Division One team Portsmouth. But once he got settled in the Jamaican setting, he just exploded.

"It is true that everything seemed to click for me after that. I went to a Premiership club, Derby County, and signed for £1 million. After we qualified for the World Cup, I was named in a Rest of the World squad to play against a European All-Stars and then came Sportsman of the Year.

"In all, I think I have played about 50 times for the national team but I am not sure of the number of goals that I have scored. I can remember four though," he said with a mischievous chuckle.

Last opportunity

Having done the job for the 1998 campaign, being involved in the 2002 campaign and not seriously considered for the 2006 campaign, 2010 World Cup in South Africa represents the last realistic opportunity to play with the Reggae Boyz on the biggest stage.

"To be called is good but to maintain a place is my goal. With 11 years under my belt, I think I am much more mature now and I really believe the 11 years experience that I have now can only put me in good stead," was his optimistic reading of the situation.