Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girl Shania Hayles is brimming with excitement as she makes a long-awaited return to the setup ahead of their highly anticipated friendly international against France on Friday.

Hayles, currently enjoying a rich vein of form with her new club Newcastle United, is eager to make her mark once again for the Reggae Girlz as they continue to build toward greater international success.

The striker, who earns her Jamaican stripes through her grandparents, has always spoken fondly of her deep connection to the island, attributing her decision to parade her skills for the Reggae Girlz to the love and pride she feels for her Jamaican heritage.

“I was excited to come back. Obviously, Jamaica's in my family, my grandparents, which is lovely, so when I got the call, it just showed that all the hard work that I've been putting on the journey so far had paid off,” Hayles said in an interview with JFF media from the team’s base in France.

For Hayles, the decision to play for Jamaica over other potential options came from a place of family loyalty. Born in England, she grew up with stories of her grandparents’ life in Jamaica, and the culture became an integral part of her identity.

Shania Hayles in action against United States during the Women's Soccer Summer Series. (Photo: Alamy)

Now, each time the 24-year-old, who made her Jamaican debut in 2021, pulls on the black, green, and gold jersey, she feels a strong sense of responsibility and pride. Her tree appearances for Jamaica were in the United States Women's Soccer Summer series in Houston in 2021.

“Obviously, it (choosing to represent Jamaica over England) wasn't an easy decision, but my grandparents mean a lot to me and for me, being a role model to other black children out there, that's the big thing for me. I did a lot that last season just so they can see someone like me playing for Jamaica and for my club, and they can aspire to be like me,” Hayles shared.

“Each time I come into camp, it's like family. I felt comfortable as soon as I came here; everyone's so lovely, so it was really nice to catch up with the girls and obviously going back to Jamaica, I went there for the first time for one of my camps and, yeah, it was just unreal,” she added. 

Having recently made a move to Newcastle United, Hayles has quickly settled into life with her new club, where she has been in scintillating form. Her four goals in six appearances so far, including a hat-trick last weekend, have not gone unnoticed, and the forward is keen to carry that momentum into the national setup, especially now expected to lead the attacking line in Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw’s absence.

Prior to joining Newcastle United, Hayles had a two-year stint with Bristol City, where she tallied 11 goals in 37 appearances.

Hayles celebrates a goal for her club, Newcastle United.

“I think I just had a fresh start from last season, new team, so I had a lot to prove so I just went in with a lot of confidence and I think grabbing the first couple goals early on is always good for a striker because you kind of want to get them first goals. So when I got them, I went on to find a few more. Obviously, getting my hat-trick at the weekend was a proud moment for me because that was the first one in my career, so hopefully I can get a few more this season,” Hayles stated.

“Obviously, scoring goals is a big thing; that's part of my game, so it’s about just being confident and kind of showing what I can do. I think before I probably wasn't as ready as I am now, so coming back in (the Reggae Girlz team), I already feel a lot more confident and I'm just ready to give everything for the team,” she declared.

The friendly against France is expected to be a tough test for the Hubert Busby-coached Reggae Girlz, but Hayles is optimistic about their chances and is eager to contribute. In fact, she is also already looking forward to the two fixtures against South Africa on November 29 and December 2 on Jamaican soil.

“I think you want to play against some of the best national teams, so for me, France is up there. It will be a hard game, a tough game, but it is one I'm looking forward to,” she noted.

 “Even the home games against South Africa, I think, are a big thing. I think when we have the support behind us, it's always a big thing, so I just think, the more support you get, obviously it helps, like the crowd... everything just helps us play well,” she ended.