RICARDO Gardner believes Jamaica's exit from the World Cup could be a blessing in disguise as he looks to cement his place in Wanderers' Premiership campaign.

The Reggae Boyz' exit means a curtailed international programme with fewer time-consuming, energy-sapping transatlantic trips, which the winger admits have taken their toll in the past.

"Sometimes it was hard work to get back in the team when I came back from the internationals," Gardner acknowledged.

"It was disappointing not qualifying for the World Cup but, hopefully, next time ..."

Gardner, equally effective on the right flank as he is on the left in a formation that has been the key to Wanderers' success, admits there is still room for improvement in his game, especially at the business end.

"My finishing and final touch could be better," he concedes. "I could score more goals."

The arrival of his international team-mate, Jermaine Johnson, has given Wanderers the services of two of the best of Jamaica's top young talent. But Sam Allardyce has been cautious not to make too many demands on the younger of the dynamic duo - in much the same way that Gardner was used sparingly when he first arrived at the Reebok from Harbour View after playing in the World Cup in France in 1998.

"Jermaine brings a good motivation to the team, going forward, "Gardner says, "but the gaffer doesn't want to rush him into the game. He has a lot to get used to with the English style of play.

"But each game that goes by, he's getting better and better."