LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC midfielder Devon “Speedy” Williams said on Tuesday he was appreciative of his latest call-up to the Jamaican national team, with the Reggae Boyz set to head to Turkey for a pair of exhibitions at the end of this month ahead of the start of the USL preseason.

“Any time you’re representing your country, it’s always a big deal,” said Williams in a club release. “For me to continue to grow my status as a player and to continue to get called up, it’s a great thing. I give thanks for every call I get.”

Williams is joined in the 20-player squad by 2017 USL Most Valuable Player Dane Kelly and San Antonio FC midfielder Omar Gordon as a squad made up of players based in the United States and from Jamaica’s Red Stripe Premier League heads to Europe. The side will face Romanian Liga 1 club CS Gaz Metan Medias on Jan. 27 in the opening game of its trip before squaring off with World Cup-qualifier South Korea on Jan. 30.

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A two-time winner of the USL Cup after earning victory in 2016 with the New York Red Bulls II, Williams said having teammates he is well familiar with through domestic competition in the U.S. makes linking up together with the national team an enjoyable experience.

“It helps to work with other guys in the league,” said Williams. “Most of us that have been called up are all pretty good friends. It makes everything a little bit easier. I’ll be back right in time to go to preseason in Florida [on February 4].”

Getting up to speed ahead of the start of Louisville’s preparations for its title defense will also be useful for the 25-year-old as he works his way into preseason.

“Games are always important,” said Williams. “Training is good and well, but when you’re playing games and getting that match-fitness, it is always important.”