The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) is not about to lose sleep over the decision of 20-year-old striker Zavon Hines to wear England's colours from now on.

Hines, the West Ham forward who was born in Jamaica but migrated when he was just seven years old, came off the bench to score twice on his debut for the England Under-21 team against Macedonia on the weekend.

The young talent had been called up to Jamaica's squad last February when Jamaica played Nigeria in the United Kingdom but did not play. The fact that he did not play made him eligible to play for England, if he so desired.

Hines was asked by the British media if deciding which country to represent was a difficult one.

"Not really, to be honest. I grew up in England so England is always part of my heart," he said in response. "It wasn't hard even though I was born in Jamaica. I came here (England) when I was seven, so Jamaica is still in my heart, but England has done a lot for me."

Horace Reid, general secretary of the JFF, explained that Hines had never received an official invitation to play for Jamaica. Back in February, he said, John Barnes, who was the head coach then, wanted to take a look at him during the international friendly against Nigeria.

"It hadn't gone beyond that," Reid said.

Appearances

Captain Horace Burrell, the JFF president, said he was not familiar with the situation and as such was unable to comment.

Hines has impressed as a winger for West Ham so far this season. Against Liverpool, he ran rings around several players, including veteran Jamie Carragher.

He said he was grateful to Gianfranco Zola for giving him a chance. So far this season he has made three appearances for the club in the number 41 jersey but has yet to score.