Two of Jamaica's most promising young footballers left the island yesterday for English Premier League club Sunderland for a nine-day training camp, which begins on Monday.

The players are Omar Holness of Wolmer's Boys and Glenmuir High's Paul Wilson.

The two Jamaicans, along with six other youngsters from across the region, were selected by England and Liverpool legend, John Barnes, from the Digicel Kick Start Clinics.

The other players selected are Diquan Adamson (Barbados), Esso Amicy Faudelyn (Haiti), Kyrhon Philip (St Kitts), Ruiz Dillon Kromoredjo and Bruce Julianto Diporedjo (Suriname) and Ryan Frederick (Trinidad).

Holness, described by many as a midfield general, is very anxious and elated about the trip.

"I am very excited because I have been looking forward to it from the day that I heard I was selected for it," said the 15-year-old Holness.

"I have been training very hard for it with my Manning Cup team at Wolmer's and I am going to be myself and have fun," said Holness, who is an admirer of Liverpool's captain Steven Gerrard.

Wilson, who is an attacking midfielder and an admirer of Barcelona's striker Thierry Henry, said he was looking forward to camp.

very confident

"I am very confident and I am going to go there and do my best," said the 16-year-old. "I have trained very hard for this because my coach Jackie Walters has prepared me well for this," added Wilson.

Meanwhile Barnes, who was not present at the send-off at the Norman manley International Airport, urged the players - through a release - to make full use of the opportunity.

"I know they have been working hard in preparation for the training camp and I'd like to wish them all the very best of luck next week in Sunderland," Barnes said.

"This is an amazing opportunity that the boys have to show off their talent in front of some of the best coaches in the world.

"It is important that they listen and learn so that they can improve on the natural football talent that they have," said Barnes.