Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Jamaica's local-based players yesterday returned in high spirits from a three-week training camp in Brazil in preparation for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, just days ahead of the friendly international against Trinidad and Tobago on March 26 at the National Stadium.

Head of the 24-man delegation, Michael Ricketts, in an interview with StarSports stated that the camp, led by technical director Rene Simoes, was a resounding success as it taught valuable lessons to the players.

"I think everything went exceedingly well. We had absolutely no complaints. The training facilities were excellent and without a doubt the players benefited greatly," Ricketts said following the team's arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.

He stated that the players improved greatly over the period and that more of the same was needed.

"The first game or two that we played, we looked quite ordinary. By the end of the training camp, we looked like a good team. So I am very certain that all the players who went on this particular camp have come back better players," Ricketts pointed out.

Midfield maestro Ricardo Cousins, coming off his second trip to the South American country following an appearance at the Pan American Games last year, stated that since his involvement in the camp, the game has become even more exciting for him.

"I am learning to express my talent in a different way and learning different styles. We went on a mission to win our practice games and not to lose the game before we went on the pitch. It worked out very well for us, even surprising us as players," Cousins said.

Cousins indicated the session was important for the players as they learnt how to keep possession of the ball and concentrate during the games.

"The session was really needed and it will definitely be displayed in upcoming games. Basically most of the players are looking forward to a chance to play and represent the country. As the coach has said, we are not short of talent, we are working hard and hopefully we will be given the chance," he said.

Eighteen-year-old André Darby also said it was a great experience for him in the football-mad nation.

"We learnt to manage the pace of the game in international football and keep possession of the ball. We saw a lot of training fields and toured different training facilities," he added.

Meanwhile, Rudolph Austin, Cousins, Adrian Reid and James Thomas, all of Portmore United, have attracted interest from at least two Seria A Brazilian clubs, Atletico Paranaense and Coritiba.

All four players stood out in games which included wins over the Tigers of Brazil (1-0), Parana Clube (3-2) and Atletico Paranaense (2-1). They drew against Estacio University (2-2), Operario (1-1) and Coritiba (1-1) and lost to Avai FC (0-2).

Simoes is scheduled to return to the island at a later date as he did not return with the team yesterday.