Simeon Jackson has become the latest Gillingham player to receive international recognition after being called up by Canada.

The striker flew to Jamaica on Sunday following the Gills' 4-0 thumping of Rotherham at Priestfield the day before.

Jackson will be be aiming to earn his first full cap in Kingston, when Canada take part in the CONCACAF stage of the World Cup qualifiers.

Canada are unable to progress any further in the competition but coach Dale Mitchell has given Gillingham’s seven-goal striker a chance to impress.

Gills boss Mark Stimson said: “After getting news like that it gave him a massive spring in his step, and rightly so, because being fortunate enough to represent your country must be a fantastic honour and we wish him all the best.”

Canada face Jamaica on Wednesday and Jackson, who returned to the Gillingham side against Rotherham after missing the previous five games with an ankle injury, is expected back in the country on Thursday in time for the League 2 trip to Bury this weekend.

Ironically Jackson was born in Kingston, Jamaica – the team he could face on his international debut – but grew up in Ontario, Canada before moving to England as a teenager.

Jackson has already earned seven appearances for the Canadian under-20 side.

Former captain Andrew Crofts holds the record for the most international appearances for Gillingham after turning out for Wales on 12 occasions, although after finding his chances at the club limited recently, he has subsequently been omitted from the latest Welsh squad.

Other internationals in the Gills squad include Mark McCammon, who turned out for Barbados in the summer during their World Cup qualifiers, and winger Albert Jarrett (Sierra Leone).