JUNIOR MENDES has today received a first international call-up for the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat.

The 28-year-old striker will travel for the CONCACAF Gold Cup group games against St Lucia, Antigua and St Kitts & Nevis later this month, the first stage of World Cup qualifying.

He will miss Town's Coca-Cola League I trip to Blackpool and the following LDV Vans Trophy tie against the same opposition.

Having returned to the first team and scored in Town's last three outings, Mendes turned down the original call because it would have meant missing four matches for the Galpharm club.

He is now travelling just for the matches rather than the squad build-up and Mendes explained:

"I've spoken to Montserrat a few times before but never had the chance to be in the team, so I'm delighted.

"It's an honour for any player to play for their country, and while I've never been to the island before I'm really looking forward to it. I wouldn't have gone if it had meant missing a lot of games for Town, but the gaffer has helped out on that one."

Peter Jackson compromised with the Montserrat FA so that Mendes - who qualifies through his father, Hil'dyard - will fly out after the MK Dons game and return to face Brentford.

"It says a lot about Junior's commitment to the club that he was going to turn it down, but we've come to an agreement with Montserrat that he doesn't need to go for training," said Jackson, who watched the Reserves win 2-0 against Darlington.

"I'm delighted for him because he's a smashing lad whose confidence is soaring after the goals he's got, so an international chance now is just excellent."

Efe Sodje, Andy Booth and Rob Edwards are included in Town's squad to travel to Luton.

* Junior's joy - Page 40.