Shelton looking to make step-up

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

After a hugely impressive season with top-flight Norwegian club VŒlerenga IF, Jamaican striker Luton Shelton has been attracting interest from several clubs in other parts of Europe, particularly in France and Scotland.

Shelton slammed in 12 goals in 28 appearances for VŒlerenga IF, while playing in a not-too-familiar wing position and is now hoping to replicate that form for Jamaica through what is expected to be a very active 2011 for the Reggae Boyz.

The former Sheffield United signee believes he has improved significantly since his move to the Norwegian top-flight team that ended in the runner-up position, but thinks he is now ready to really test his talent against Europe's best.

"I think I have developed a lot since I started playing in the (Norwegian) league and now I have a lot of clubs all across Europe looking at me and talking. Clubs have been sending people to watch me for the whole season and that is a very positive thing for me," said Shelton, in an interview with The Gleaner from his Norwegian base on Wednesday.

ambition

"It (playing in a more established league) is an ambition of mine; every player wants to play at the highest level and even though I started at a higher level (Shef-field United), I had to take a step back just to get a chance to move forward."

Despite his ambitions, the 25-year-old is, however, not losing ground of the present, and at this point, his main focus is on today's league opener away to Viking FK.

"Everything is looking good so far, I had a good pre-season, I am focused and I'm just looking forward to the game on Saturday," Shelton noted, before speaking of his adjustments to on the wing.

"I played one half of the previous season on the wing and it was challenging at first, but with the system that the team plays, it tends to become a bit easier. It's not so much about going up and down all the time, it's really about staying wide and being patient, using the opportunities when they come to try and score or create chances for others," Shelton said.

"It has become much easier over time because I understand the system and I have adapted. The first part of the season was a bit hard, but towards the end, I scored like 10 goals in 12 games, so it became easier after a while," he added.

Shelton also had some words for Jamaica's technical staff, expressing a willingness to replicate this role with the national team.

"Actually, if I get the chance, if the coach puts me out there to play wing, I will certainly do it because I play it for my club now and I actually like it," Shelton shared. "I feel more in the game when I play on the wing and I tend to get the ball a lot more, so it's something that I enjoy and something fun, even if it means a little more work."