It was announced earlier this year that Greenwood had filed papers to request a switch in his international allegiance from England to Jamaica as Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel ruled him out of selection for next year’s tournament.
The 24-year-old, who has one England cap, is eligible to represent the nation of his grandparents, but he is said to be wary of committing to Jamaica. However, reports state he will feature in March’s intercontinental play-offs in what could be a boost for the side.
Speaking to The Athletic, Hayden has revealed that he thinks Greenwood being called up to the side when he has not helped in qualifying goes against the integrity of the side.
“I've only played for Jamaica for a year, and there was some resistance to me when I started, but I have played 12 games and everyone can see my passion and the way I play the game. I give everything on the pitch, and I wanted to be there to help Jamaica progress to the World Cup."
“They want to have the best team on the pitch, but I said it to the JFF: ‘If a player is not willing to commit for the last round of qualifying, unless they're injured, I do not see why they should be joining the group in March or at the end of the season if we qualify’. There is no way that should be allowed to happen.”
“The quality of the player, his numbers, what he is producing, is of the highest level,” he admitted. “But it comes down to principle and integrity. If players can just rock up because of a World Cup, it would make the whole thing a farce. That would say a lot about the player, and the organisation for allowing that to happen.”
Greenwood is currently top-scorer in Ligue 1 with ten goals in 12 matches for Les Olympiens and is one of the best strikers in Europe at the moment. Jamaica need a spark to help them qualify for the World Cup and despite various controversys, the national side have a huge choice to make.