Brown
Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
A MONTH AGO technical director Carl Brown was a worried man.
He was uncertain about his choice of forwards heading into the World Cup qualifiers against Haiti. Top striker Onandi Lowe was ruled out because of legal troubles while Ricardo Fuller had just had knee surgery.
Today he is spoilt for choices. Marlon King has emerged as a genuine goalscorer with five goals in five games for Jamaica including four goals in the two World Cup qualifiers so far. Brown received further good news when Charlton Athletic striker Jason Euell pledged his allegiance to the country.
MORE OPTIONS
"What has happened now is that we have more options. It really is good to look at what we have to choose from," said Brown who named nine forwards. They are King, Damani Ralph, Ricardo Fuller, Onandi Lowe (providing his situation is sorted out), Deon Burton, Fabian Taylor, Kevin Lisbie, Barry Hayles and Euell.
"Right now I am just praying that they all stay healthy. The pre-season starts in another week and just before August 18, when we play the United States, the Premiership and the First Division would have begun so we hope they stay healthy," Brown said.
The selection of the forwards, Brown said, would depend on form and possibly the nature of the opposition.
While the forward line seems to be working itself out, Brown conceded that there were still concerns about the defensive unit and the midfield.
"We are trying to have at least two quality players for each position. We do not have that in defence and midfield. If we do not find that then we may have to convert a forward or two to the midfield position," Brown explained.
"If you look at Euell, he played midfield for Wimbledon and Damani Ralph is capable of getting back and playing in that role," he said.
ALWAYS PLAY YOUR BEST 11
"One of the things you want to do is to always play your best 11," he continued.
Brown said he had been in contact with a number of people and, while not outlining all the names of the players up for consideration, said hulking central defender Darren Moore had expressed an interest in rejoining the squad. Under-23 sweeper Shavar Thomas also could be considered.
The name of Bradley Thomas, who partnered Shavar in the centre of defence for the Under-23s, was considered but Brown does not think he is ready for World Cup football at this time. A better candidate would be Under-20 representative Jermaine Taylor who represented Star Cosmos in the National Premier League, said Brown.
While Brown is seeking to sort out the core of his players, he is also planning to get them in good shape for their next World Cup test against the US.
"I need two games and I will meet with the president (Crentson Boxhill) on Monday to sort that out. We were supposed to meet earlier but it did not materialise," said Brown.
Those two games could be against opponents from the Americas.
"In terms of the teams that I would like to meet, Mexico would be good. Canada also comes to mind in that they are similar to the US in style.
"The dates I am looking at are the 18th and 25th of July. It could be later but I do not want to go later than August 2," said Brown who explained that he had to take the English pre-season and League start into consideration.
