Darlington Nagbe has admitted his delight at being handed a first senior cap for the USA national team in the 6-1 thrashing of St Vincent & the Grenadines.
The Portland Timbers midfielder scored five goals in 33 regular-season appearances at club level this season and was rewarded with a first call-up to the USA squad for the 2018 World Cup qualifier on Friday.
After he came off the bench to feature in the closing stages of the victory, the 25-year-old revealed that he could not contain his happiness at being handed his international debut.
"I was trying to respect the opponent and not too smile too much coming into the game, but I just could not hold it back," he told reporters.
"It just felt great to get out there and I am happy that we won the game. It was definitely complete happiness. I came here and everyone just kind of let me hop right in and let me do my own thing and get used to everyone.
"They just told me to come in here and just do what I do, and get on the ball, getting touches but at the same time switch it up a little bit and accelerate the game. I am looking forward to moving ahead and playing with these guys more."
Nagbe has played for Timbers since joining from Cleveland Internationals in 2011.
Tom Nightingale
