Derby County's Nathaniel Mendez-Laing says he is 'buzzing' to be back in the mix with his team-mates.
The 31-year-old forward has spent the last few weeks taking part in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States of America and Canada with the Guatemala international side but today linked back up with the Rams for the first time during pre-season on the training pitch at their week-long warm-weather camp in Spain.
Speaking to RamsTV, Mendez-Laing reflected on the last few weeks on the international stage with Guatemala reaching the Quarter Final stage of the competition and spoke of his delight at being back amongst it with the Rams.
On his Gold Cup experience...
It was amazing. It was an honour for me and my family to wear the shirt of Guatemala. I think it was a successful tournament on the whole and I'm looking forward to going back in the future.
On his form whilst he was out there...
I was pleased to contribute with a couple of assists and just in any way I could. It was tough considering the difference between me and some of the players. I was playing for them off the back of around seven weeks off whereas some of the squad are still mid-season at the moment. I gave what I could and I know when I go back next time I'll be in a lot better shape.
On the pride of his family...
My mum was buzzing and still is. The final game against Jamaica was a bit of a funny one as my Dad is from Jamaica and he had a lot of people at his house with Jamaica flags everywhere - even though he said he was supporting me!
On his first session back with Derby...
I spoke to a few of the lads whilst I was away so expected nothing less than hard work. Pre-season is tough anyway so it is what it is but if it gets us in good stead for a great season then there's no complaining from any of us.
On how happy he is to be back...
I'm buzzing. You miss the lads when you're away from football. It's like when you break up from school and you get to see all your mates again, it's nice to be back in the mix.
On the fans travelling for Saturday's game against Salford in Spain...
I saw a few of the fans at the Airport on the way here. I'm sure they will be here in numbers. I've had a lot of support off them on social media over the past few weeks so it will be good to play in front of them again.
