MIDFIELDER Jon Russell said he’s fully focused on his Barnsley career and any international call up would just be a bonus.
The 22-year-old has played four games for Jamaica, scoring once, but was left out of their last squad earlier this month. He’s played in each of the last three League One victories, and has made the position in front of the back three his own in recent weeks.
Russell told the Chronicle his main focus is on playing his best football at Oakwell.
He added: “The club is who is paying me so I’m more worried about them.
“I want to produce it at the club and whoever is looking and watching me then happy days. But if they’re not then it doesn’t matter. I want to be a part of this club and so I’m doing whatever I can to keep playing every week.”
Due to Russell’s omittance from the national team, he was able to link up with the rest of the squad for a week on the training pitch.
The Reggae Boyz star said the players used that as a way to learn more about one another.
“Everyone is getting used to each other,” he added.
“With that break everyone has managed to gel and we’re learning more about each other. We’re learning more about the gaffer and how he likes to play as well it was good for us.”
Barnsley are currently sixth in the League One table, and Russell admits the standings can be used as a motivational tool before a game.
“We look at the table because it would be nice to be top,” he said.
“When you’ve got that in the eye it’s another bit of motivation.
“But everyone is being calm about it and focusing on each game as it comes.”
