The Canadians, playing at their third World Cup, have just one current full-time player in New Zealand-based Geoff Barnett.

Even their coach Andy Pick has been seconded from the England and Wales Cricket Board set-up.

But two home-grown players Abdool Samad and Ashif Mulla showed the promise which exists in the ranks during the 51-run loss to England at Beausejour on Sunday.

"There are a few talented youngsters around," said Davison, whose team defeated Bangladesh at the 2003 tournament. "But the most important thing is we get some sort of infrastructure in place.

"The Canadian Cricket Association doesn't have anyone who is employed by the association, it is basically on a voluntary basis and if we want to compete at this level we will have to be semi-professional at least if not professional.

"There are definitely talented players in the country and we need them to be brought through a system."

Ireland, who Canada face in the final of the ICC Trophy in May, made a mark for the minnows by sending Pakistan home early.

And Davison insists Canada missed their chance of pressurising Michael Vaughan's England and New Zealand with their opening Group C defeat to Kenya.

"If we had won against them then we were a small chance to knock off England or New Zealand," Davison said. "It is disappointing to be 0-2.

"I don't know if we are not in that league of being able to shock the big teams.

"The conditions in Jamaica suited the Ireland attack, there was a little bit in the wicket, they won the toss and bowled.

"On a bouncy, seaming wicket against Pakistan anyone has a chance. This wicket here is a hard grind wicket and I think generally the better team will get over the line.

"I was rooting for Ireland, I thought they were brilliant, the way they fielded, their catching in the slips, the way the skipper polished it off with a six was great.

"We are good mates with most of the associate countries because we spend a lot of time with them.

"I guess they are through, it is a great achievement for associate cricket and Kenya are still a chance."