Mark Gleeson Football Correspondent

Michael Lamey has a Nigerian mother

Holland-born defender Michael Lamey says his return to the PSV Eindhoven first team has all but ended his interest in playing for Nigeria.

Lamey spent almost a year struggling to make the PSV side but has emerged as one of the Dutch side's key players this season.

The 26-year-old told the Dutch magazine 'Voetbal International' that he would have wanted to play for Nigeria at the recent African Nations Cup if he had not been able to force his way into the PSV side.

"In a tournament of a high quality like the Africa Cup, you can be spotted and scouted," Lamey said.

"But because my chances are much more regular at PSV, I did not need that opportunity.

"Do you know what? I'm not all that fussed over Nigeria," he told the weekly magazine.

"My mother is Nigerian and I have been there once myself, but that is the only connection I have with the country.

"Of course my mother was very proud when I was invited to play for Nigeria but she also said it would have been difficult for me there because I would not have known anyone.

"It was 100 percent my own choice not to follow up the contacts with Nigeria and to go to the Africa Cup.

"I was surprised by their invitation and I regard it as an honour. The Super Eagles are not just any football team.

"But I decided that to stay at PSV would be better for my career.