LIVINGSTON SCOTT, STAR Writer

Jamaica's Under-23 football coach, Miguel Coley, believes the team must improve its mental strength in the future for better results.

After having failed to get past the final round of the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers after playing the semi-final round last week, Coley said the team must think more professionally.

"The probability of doing well was really high, but it just didn't happen and we are disappointed. We have to look at where we went wrong and see where we go from here. (We have to) really work, not only on the skills of our players, but the mental strength of our players," he said.

"Some games will be very difficult, but to have that mentality to get over that hurdle is very important," he added.

The Jamaica College and national assistant coach said the fact that a lot of the players are not playing regularly at their club sometimes make them lose focus.

"When you find players in a professional setting not playing regularly, sometimes they question themselves. With the Under-23s, you have players coming in two and three days before a game. Once you have the right mindset, it is not difficult to aspire for greatness at this level. This is the transitional level and it can be very difficult," he continued.

"I am hoping these players get better mentally and work hard on their game as they go forward. We hope these players work hard, work on the mindset, work on their skills and become better players going forward," he said.

"We have to channel these players in the right way," Coley concluded.