Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

Deon Burton ... the coach called me back for this camp and as long as the coach is happy with what he is seeing, that is the most important thing for me. -file

PLANS TO retire Deon Burton or write him out of the future of the Reggae Boyz unit appear to be more than premature as one on the 1998 qualification heroes was easily the most impressive player in training at the Braco Resort last week.

"It is working time," Burton said, explaining the reason for his renewed focus.

"I have spoken to a few reporters on television and radio since I have come back to join the camp and everyone seems to be doubting me and wondering why I am here. It seems I have to be proving myself all over again and try to rise to the occasion and perform," he said.

In addition to the feeling that he had to prove himself again, the man who saw an upswing in his career after his association with the country, said he had been putting in the hard work for quite some time.

Happy to work harder

"I have been working hard and, as I said, it seems that there is a perception of me (as being past it) but I am happy to work that much harder to get back the recognition and I am relishing the challenge," Burton said.

"I really like the challenge. I like to be put under the pressure," he said with a smile.

Looking fitter, physical stronger and playing with a lot of hunger, the defenders had a hard time containing him as he held them off with his strength, showed quick feet, good dribbling skills and accuracy with his shots. That too, he said, was by design.

"I have myself under control. I have been doing work with my fitness coach back in England and I am building up my strength and power, trying to get back a little bit of the pace and, yes, I have lost a little bit of weight. Probably just about two or three pounds, not too much, just enough for me to have that strength to hold off the defenders," he said.

questions asked about recall

On his last outing, a 2-2 draw with Trinidad and Tobago in April, just under two years after his last game for Jamaica, many fans openly questioned why the former 'Goalden Boy' was recalled. His performance as a substitute did not change their minds but, according to the now Sheffield Wednesday player, it was not that bad.

"I did not think I did too badly. I got into some good positions, held the ball up well and I had two, I would say, half chances. They were on my left side. People may say one should have two good feet, but I know if they were on my right side maybe it would have been a different end product," he said.

"I did not feel too badly and I do not think I did badly as the coach called me back for this camp and as long as the coach is happy with what he is seeing, that is the most important thing for me.

"It is for the skeptics to say what they want but as long as I'm doing the right thing for my teammates and they are happy with me and the coach is, that is all that matters," he said.