WITH nine goals scored in 15 outings for Guyana, Neil Danns at age 38 is still committed to representing the Golden Jaguars and is hoping to receive a call from coach Marcio Maximo for Guyana’s Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers campaign.

Danns recently signed with Wales side Connah’s Quay Nomads and he told Chronicle Sport that he’s still the same player that rocked English football since bursting onto the scenes with Blackburn Rovers in the Champions League 20 years ago.

“I’ve been training full-time for the last couple of months. I was signed with Halifax FC just over a month ago, so I was training full time. I’m feeling good, much fitter and hopefully I’ll be given the chance to represent Guyana in the World Cup Qualifiers. I’m fully committed to representing the country as well, so hopefully I’m given that chance,” Danns told Chronicle Sport.

Age is nothing but a number for Danns, who made his Golden Jaguars debut in 2015 against Grenada at the Guyana National Stadium. He has placed himself in the discussion as one of the best players to ever lace-up their cleats for the National team.

Asked what fuels his competitiveness to keep playing, Danns said, “Just the pure love for football.”
“Anyone who would have seen me play would say I have the same enthusiasm as a youngster and I’m filled with passion for the game, which helps me to keep going and keep myself in good condition and always ready,” Danns reasoned.

The former Leicester City and Crystal Palace midfield player said, “Irrespective of a players’ age, if you perform well enough and are fit, you should be allowed to keep playing.”
The midfielder started his career at Blackburn Rovers, during which time he had loan spells at Blackpool, Hartlepool United and Colchester United where he spent two years before joining Birmingham City.

The Guyana international made 103 appearances for Crystal Palace, whilst also having permanent spells in the Football League at Leicester City, Bolton Wanderers, Bury FC and Tranmere Rovers.
Most recently, Danns has played for the likes of Radcliffe, Halifax Town and was on trial at Chorley, where the Nomads spotted him after their season was curtailed.
The Golden Jaguars are set to travel to The Dominican Republic to take on Trinidad and Tobago in their first away match in the World Cup qualifiers.

After their clash with the ‘Trinis’, Golden Jaguars will return home to roar against The Bahamas on Tuesday, March 30.
On Friday, June 4, Guyana will travel to St Kitts & Nevis for their third game and then host Puerto Rico on Tuesday, June 8.

Guyana last faced Trinidad and Tobago during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where, despite a beautiful goal scored by Neil Danns, the two sides ended the match with a 1-1 draw.