Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

( L - R ) Obrien Woodbine, Nicholy Findlayson - file photos

Yesterday's return of the local aggregation of Reggae Boyz from the training camp in Brazil could not have come at a better time for at least one Premier League outfit, notably Reno FC.

The former three-time champions are struggling, occupying the penultimate spot in the standings. What's worse, the gap between them and 10th-place Village United is increasing every round, making the task of fighting relegation that much harder.

"We are at the stage where we need to dig deeper now. We had a long meeting after the Tivoli game (a 1-3 loss on Sunday) and discussed thoroughly where we were coming up short," said Reno coach Wendell Downswell.

Reno have scored goals in all their losses to date and have equalised during the game on most occasions. Downswell has singled out lapses in concentration as the main culprit for their poor form, but they also have been sorely short-staffed, particularly in the defensive third.

The loss of central defender Everton Palmer to Seba in the January transfer window has had a deleterious effect, and the situation has been made worse by injury to Patrick Graham, who has on occasions been a competent replacement.

Within the past three weeks, Reno have looked painfully short on quality players and have been sorely affected by the absence of two players who were part of the Reggae Boyz camp: wingback Obrien 'Beckham' Woodbine and midfield general Nicholy Findlayson. Reno were also without assistant coach Aaron Lawrence, who was part of the coaching staff to Brazil.

In their absence, Reno lost for the first time this season to Boys' Town and were also embarrassed 5-2 by newcomer Sporting Central. On Sunday at STETHS, they face another newcomer, St Georges, who they have taken five points from in three encounters. St Georges' scalp at this stage, reckons Downswell, is important to their resurgence, and he needs all the firepower.

"If we are to get back, we have to begin with them and we will definitely welcome the return of these two national players," Downswell said referring to Woodbine and Findlayson. "From all indications, they have done well in Brazil and should add a lot to the team."