JUNIOR MENDES jets off on his first international assignment tomorrow accepting strong competition at Town has inspired his goal-a-game form.
The 28-year-old hopes to earn a first cap for Montserrat against St Lucia later this week in the CONCACAF Gold Cup having netted his sixth goal in as many games for Town in Saturday's 3-1 victory over MK Dons.
The Galpharm strike - a terrific 25-yard left footer - was the ideal way to sign off for two matches and Mendes hopes to resume in similar form when he's available again for the Sunday home game against Brentford on November 7.
"I'm really excited about playing for Montserrat, I want to do my best and, most of all, I don't want to come back with an injury," he said.
"I'm told the facilities for training and playing out there are excellent, so I want to make the most of it and, hopefully, we'll be playing to decent crowds."
Mendes' father, Hil'dyard, was born in Montserrat and the former Mansfield striker added: "While I'm disappointed to miss a couple of games for Town, it was great to leave with another goal.
"It's the competition for places here which really keeps you on your toes and no-one can afford to take their foot off the gas. I'll be staying in touch with what's happening over here and, if I'm on the bench when I come back then so be it, but I'll be challenging for my place back as quickly as possible."
TOWN Juniors have been drawn at home to Rochdale in the FA Youth Cup
The first-round tie is likely to be played at the Galpharm Stadium on Tuesday, November 9, but the date and kick-off time have still to be confirmed.
The Academy gained a richly-deserved point at Derby County in their FA Academy Premier League match.
Despite playing excellently and dominating, Town went behind with just 10 minutes left but Matthew Young salvaged a point with an 89th minute penalty.
Michael Collins is now back from Cyprus, where he helped the Republic of Ireland beat Russia 2-1 to qualify for the UEFA Youth finals.
