Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

( L - R ) Stewart, Morrison and Wolfe

Portmore United and Jamaica representatives Demar Stewart, Jason Morrison and Rafe Wolfe could be heading off to Sparta Rotterdam, Belgium, following their "impressive" display on a one-week trial with English Premier League club Sheffield United.

Portmore United official Clive Marshall yesterday told The Gleaner that according to his information, which was not much, the trial was successful and the players will be heading to Belgium soon.

"Unofficially, yes. I am able to confirm that the trial was successful, but I cannot say much else as I do not have the information.

"I just got word that the trial was very successful and that the players will be heading off to a club in Belgium in early January. Mr (Horace) Reid is away now, but on his return we should have more information," Marshall told The Gleaner.

During their week-long trial, the players strutted their stuff in a behind-closed-door reserve match against division one Leeds United on Wednesday, December 20.

The players did this with the understanding that if they impressed they would be sent to Belgium as they do not qualify for a work permit from the British Home Office, having not represented their country's senior team in 75 per cent of their FIFA accredited 'A' games over the past two years.

Stewart and Morrison have so far been capped by the national team, while Wolfe has represented the country at different age group levels and is seen by many as being on the verge of making his national senior breakthrough.

As is common with a number of the top teams in England, they form partnerships with feeder clubs in Belgium where the players fine-tune their skills and earn a European Union (EU) passport after three years. With that secured, the players would not have a problem earning a work permit in EU countries.

"Belgium is a lot easier than England to get into, therefore, if they impress during this trial period, the idea is to farm (loan) them to Belgium," Phil Graham, the players' agent, explained in an earlier article.

"If they stay there (Belgium) for three years, they get European passports, and if they're good enough, then Sheffield United will have first option to sign the players," he further stated.