IT is not often that you get an opportunity to work with one of the best in your trade.

Wingers Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Jermaine Johnson and Omar Daley, however, are now in Jamaica working under the watchful eye of John Barnes.

The former Liverpool and England player does not officially start his new job in charge of of the 'Reggae Boyz' until November 1 but arrived in the Caribbean three days ago to help his side prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Mexico and Honduras.

For Campbell-Ryce, who plays for Barnsley, Johnson, of Sheffield Wednesday, and Daley, of Bradford City, the appointment will provide education from one of the best widemen of modern times.

Now 44, Barnes won 79 caps for England during the Eighties and Nineties, and also played for Watford, Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic before a brief spell as manager of Celtic. No-one will ever forget that wonderful goal he scored against Brazil – or, indeed, his rapping on the England song 'World in Motion', but that is another matter completely.

What made Barnes stand out from the rest was his ability to chip in with goals from the wide positions – a quality that Campbell-Ryce admits is sorely lacking from his own game.

Ironically, the Lambeth-born winger scored a stunning individual goal in Barnsley's 4-1 victory over Doncaster Rovers last weekend but it was only his seventh in the last four years.

"I know that I need to start scoring more," he admitted. "I would like to think I am capable of getting eight or nine a season but I don't usually start until the New Year!

"Obviously, with John Barnes being an ex-winger, I am hoping that he can maybe help my game in that department. If I can learn something off him, that will be great. He was a fantastic player, massive in the game, and everybody knows him worldwide."

Jamaica sit joint-bottom of their qualifying group and another defeat today could signal the end of World Cup ambitions for another campaign. Former Hull City midfielder Theo Whitmore was placed in temporary charge after the sacking of Brazilian-born coach Rene Simoes last month and moved swiftly to recall players who had been cast into the wilderness.

These included Campbell-Ryce, Johnson, and Daley as well as Hull City's on-loan striker Marlon King and former Sheffield United defender Claude Davis.

"It is great to be involved again as I have not played in any of the qualifers so far," said Campbell-Ryce.

"Our current position in the group is not good but no-one is giving up yet. We have still got a chance if we win our next three games."

Barnsley's first game after the international break is away at Crystal Palace and Campbell-Ryce hopes the Tykes will build on last weekend's victory over Doncaster.

"We are nearly out of the bottom three now and we have to keep marching up the table," he said.

"The Doncaster game was a virtual six-pointer because they are down there as well. The aim now is to be more ruthless, defend well, and get more goals."