Leon Bailey: 'Which country I play for is still open'

Jamaican-born Leon Bailey is still uncommitted over where his international future lies, no doubt alerting potential countries after a fine first half to the 2017-18 campaign with Bayer Leverkusen.

The winger is still able to represent an alternative nation due to only representing the country of his birth in an Under-23 match in March 2015. A source close to Bailey told bundesliga.com that he is eligible for England through ancestry and Malta "by merit options."

He is still seven years short of the normal duration required for German citizenship, and three years adrift of the Belgian requisite after two years at Genk. He could, however, marry a Belgian to attain that passport.

"It's been like that for years, but my opinion hasn't changed and people have to accept that," the 20-year-old told Bild, as relayed by the Bundesliga website. "Which country I play for is still open."

Bailey's reputation in Europe blossomed thanks to his enterprising attacking play for Genk, and he was rewarded for his exploits with a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen last January. The fourth-placed outfit has leaned on him for inspiration going forward this term, and the Kingston native has repaid that faith with six goals and four assists in league play.