JON RUSSELL feels being left out of the Jamaica squad last month benefited his club career but he is hoping to excel with both his national team and Barnsley in the future.
The midfielder had been away with the Reggae Boyz earlier in the season but was not selected for their October fixtures, instead staying at Oakwell during a tough two-week training period for the Reds following some poor performances. He impressed head coach Darrell Clarke during that time and has started the three games since, helping the team to seven points, having not started any of the first ten league games this season. Jamaica are set to name their squad for the November fixtures in the coming days, with two games against the USA for whom Russell’s Oakwell team-mates Gaga Slonina and Donovan Pines have previously played.
Russell told the Chronicle: “It helped me to stay here and show what I can do. It helped me get the starts.
“It works either way. I love playing for Jamaica and, whenever the next chance is, I will take it.
“Hopefully I’ve impressed this week but there will be many more opportunities if I don’t get this one.”
Russell believes team unity is the most important part of the recent upturn in results and performances.
“The vibe was just positive. We kept grafting in the international week, training really well and focusing. Everyone was positive and giving compliments, not getting onto each other if we messed up a pass. That aspect of togetherness has improved a lot.”
Russell has been in and out of the first 11 since signing from Huddersfield Town in January of last year.
The win at Shrewsbury on Saturday was his 50th league appearance for the club but his longest run of league starts is six games.
“It’s good I am in there now. I am going to keep my shirt and keep working. The manager makes the decision so I have to keep impressing and hopefully it will work out.
“I can play a couple of different roles and I am comfortable in both of them.”
Russell scored his first goal of the season with the opener at Shrewsbury, volleying home emphatically just before half-time. In the previous game against Charlton – when he was playing further forward – he had hit the bar and saw an effort cleared off the line.
“I felt it coming, I had been sniffing at it. It’s good it came at the right time. It was a good to get on the scoresheet.”
The other scorer on Saturday was Max Watters who has, like Russell, not always been a regular starter after arriving in the same transfer window.
Russell said: “Maximus is a top player. He’s absolutely rapid. He got in behind, got the goal and he’s given us a breath of fresh air. I would love him to keep going with those performances.”
