Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter 
Rene Simoes - Photo by LeVaughn Flynn
National football technical director, Rene Simoes, has expressed mixed feelings after discovering at least 40 players who have the potential to represent Jamaica's Reggae Boyz, following a recent scouting tour of Europe and the United States.
However, the Brazilian explained that the high numbers can be both a blessing and a curse as the nation embarks on their bid to reach the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.
"It is large number of players but that is both good and that is bad," Simoes told The Gleaner.
"It is good because the players are there playing different levels of football, but bad because we won't have them all the time with us, so it is complicated," noted Simoes, who admitted he only expected to view about 18 players.
"But this is not just problem for Jamaica though, every national coach has to deal with this problem," he added.
Tour of europe, us
In a bid to bolster the national team ahead of what is expected to be a rugged World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins against The Bahamas on June 15, Simoes embarked on a two-and-a-half-week tour of Europe and then the United States.
However, while names like Sunderland standout central defender Nyron Nosworthy, Colchester's Kevin Lisbie, Southhampton's Jason Euell and Real Salt Lake City's Andy Williams are among those being called, the TD remained tight-lipped about which players he was most impressed with.
"I don't want to call any names because once you say name, then people automatically think that's national player," Simoes said.
"I have taken notes and right now, I discuss with staff, and then we decide whether to call them or not," he added.
Time factor
Jamaica are expected to weather the Bahamian challenge, but time will be a factor as the Reggae Boyz could find themselves taking part in the CONCACAF qualifying round three Group of Death early next year. The Jamaicans potentially face Mexico, Honduras and Canada. However, Simoes believes there will be time.
"The qualification period should be a long enough one and not just only Bahamas, I hope, so we should be able to see everybody," he said.
In the meantime, Simoes promised that the best possible team will be picked for the upcoming friendlies against Haiti and the return leg against Trinidad and Tobago.
Jamaica are down to tackle Haiti in Fort Lauderdale on the 18th of this month and play a return away leg against Trinidad and Tobago on the 7th of June. The first leg ended 2-2 on Wednesday, March 26, at the National Stadium.
