Jamaica doesn't lack talent - Brown

Former national football coach, Carl Brown, praised current trainer Theodore Whitmore for his faith in young players and giving them the opportunity to prove themselves.

Whitmore started three 19 year olds, in Shamar Nicholson, Kevon Lambert and Jourdaine Fletcher with a majority local based players which beat Honduras 1-0 on Friday. 

Brown, Rene Simoes' assistant during the France 98 campaign, says there is an argument that no (football) talent exist in Jamaica but he refuted that and insists young players need exposure and experience to grow.

"There is no other way young players will get exposure, other than getting out and play," he said. So I am happy we are seeing that. The Gold Cup is coming and the only way you will know if they can cope is to put them in the kitchen where it's hot, and I believe that is the direction we must go."

The team will get better

Brown believes Whitmore had no choice but to rebuild with youngsters, but says once the powers that be support the players, the team will get better.

"I don't believe he had an option. This is his saving grace, that is what he has to do, rely on the young ones, and the more experience they get, the more they play, the better they will get. I guarantee that," he said.

"The 98 squad, I watched them grow over time and it's because they were playing games. Fifty plus games every year for three and a half years, so it wasn't accident we qualified. Theodore understands it, (because) he was part of that squad. He must concentrate on his squad and encourage and improve the players so that when they go out, they understand why they are there," he added.

The idea that Jamaica lacks football talent has annoyed the former Boys Town coach, who says Jamaica might not produced another team like the 98 squad, but insists we have players, who if given the opportunity can make it happen.

"We have never been short on talent, and I have been knocked about because they are talking that there is no talent in Jamaica and it is proven we always have talent,' he said.

"It's a good result (1-0 win against Honduras) and I am so happy," Brown said. "Theodore and his staff will feel that joy and the pressure will be lifted. They got two very good results recently and it's encouraging and the powers that be need to encourage the players and coaching staff to go on," he added.