Nahki Wells, the Huddersfield Town striker, admits that his club career takes priority over international duty after deciding to miss Bermuda Caribbean Cup first-round qualifying matches.

The Bermuda captain, who is Huddersfield’s top scorer this season with 16 goals, turned down the chance to play for his country against Cuba in Havana yesterday and French Guiana at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Wells, 25, has been in potent form for Huddersfield since the arrival of David Wagner, the Huddersfield head coach, in November and has decided to rest himself during the international break and stay fresh for his side’s remaining seven league matches.

Huddersfield, who beat Leeds United 4-1 at Elland Road last weekend, are sixteenth in the table, eight points above the relegation zone.

“I’m just focused on my club career at the moment,” said Wells, who scored against Leeds as well as missing a penalty.

“My body needs the rest when I have a break, and I thought pulling out of the games was the best thing to do for myself.”

Maurice Lowe, the Bermuda Football Association technical development director, said Wells’s decision would not affect future call-ups. Rai Simons, the Chesterfield striker, also decided to stay with his club in England.

“Nahki and Rai Simons have declined,” Lowe said. “I guess they are trying not to disrupt their professional careers.

“The door is always open for them.”

The Caribbean Cup, established in 1989, will be contested by 25 teams, with four taking part in next year’s finals.

Jamaica are the holders and have been winners six times in 17 tournaments.

Trinidad and Tobago have won the cup eight times while Martinique, Haiti and Cuba have also been champions.