Sport

Shelton keen to impress

By NODLEY WRIGHT, STAR Writer

Luton Shelton (left) breaking away from Nelson Morales of Guatemala to score Jamaica's first goal during the first half of their CONCACAF Gold Cup match on July 8. - file

SINCE 1998 JAMAICA have had a number of footballers heading overseas to sign professional contracts. The one to break the mould was Ricardo Gardner of Harbour View who went to Bolton Wanderers and just last week he became the first locally-raised Jamaican to play in the Champions League.

But if one is looking for the next big thing in Jamaican football or player to be exported, he or she will not have to look very far. Anyone who follows local football at all would have heard of the name Luton Shelton. Had it not been for the restrictions of a work permit requirement, the 19-year-old would have already been terrorising British defences in the Championship with his blinding speed and knack for finding the back of the net.

So good is the former Wolmer's Boys' School forward that that Burnley manager Steve Cotteril was prepared to nurse him back to full fitness for about 10 days before having a look at him in their setting. This is after jetting to America to have a look at him in the recently-held CONCACAF Gold Cup competition.

Shelton would not disappoint. In his only practice game he netted a hat trick. But any hopes they would have of signing him were dashed when an appeal by Burnley to be allowed to sign the player despite the fact that he had not met the required 75 per cent of Jamaica's games in the past two years was turned down.

Accomplished display

Not one to lose focus easily, the player who grew up in Tivoli Gardens returned to the Premier League and promptly lit it up with an accomplished display, in the process scoring twice in Harbour View's opening win.

"When the work permit did not come through I was a little disappointed but I was not disappointed in myself because I went and did my best. They (Burnley) seemed disappointed too that it did not come through but I did my best," Shelton offered.

While he returned without a contract, the 6'2" hitman did not return home empty-handed.

He left with an appreciation for the British game, instructions and a promise from manager Cotteril.

"Cotteril said I should go home to see if I can finish up the international games and hopefully I could get back there in January and if not next season," explained Shelton.

"He also said that he will probably come to Jamaica and watch me in two other games to see how well I am doing," he added.

In his first game of the season, it was clear the time in England had served Shelton well. His normally poor first touch and ball control were much improved. His heading was also much better.

Understand football

"I learnt a lot. You have to make sure you are on time for training and all those things and you have to come out and do your best every time and when you have done that there is nothing more you can do and that is what I am working on every day.

"I believe that the intensity there was higher. They also play the ball a lot higher, which I do not really like but it is something that I have been working on and it helps me to understand football more. Prior to that, my control was not the best," Shelton offered.

His time there was made easier by the presence of a number of his countrymen such as club captain Frank Sinclair and midfielder Micah Hyde.

"They looked out for me a lot and were always asking when am I going to sign and stuff life that. They really wanted me to come in and fit in with the team," said Shelton.

Because of his countrymen's attitude to him and the fact that he was at the club a while before kicking a ball, the other players also gravitated towards him.

"They had a good attitude towards me because there are about four Jamaican players there. They understand me when I talked so as a result I fitted in much more easily."

With a welcoming atmosphere awaiting him on his return, Shelton is handling matters in his control and hoping for the best.

"I am hopeful that things will work out soon. I have a good agent so I am not worried about that," the confident player said.