Andre Manders accepts that Stefan Kelly's shock withdrawal from Bermuda under 19s World Cup party has left a void that cannot be filled and admits, "It's like losing two players".

The assistant coach said his first reaction was one of "oh no, not Stefan" when he heard the star allrounder had been forced to pull out of the next month's showpiece in Malaysia because of school commitments.

He insists no stone was left unturned by the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) in their quest to allow Kelly to figure in the competition, but concedes that a player's education will always take priority.

Now the dust has settled on Kelly's withdrawal Manders is urging the dressing room to remain focused on the task ahead and not dwell on the loss of their influential teammate.

"Stefan is such an important player for us both on and off-field," said Manders. "He's one of our main batsmen and bowlers so it's like losing two players.

"He was also doing some scouting for us as he's familiar with some of the English players and was telling us who to look out for - he's a massive blow.

"When I first heard I was like 'oh no, not Stefan' and all the players are upset by it. But we must move on and can't just give up because Stefan won't be with us.

"He mentioned to us in Trinidad he was doing extra school work to catch up, but we believed it was all in hand. He missed work when he was away at the senior World Cup last year and his schooling comes first."

Manders believes it is important skipper Rodney Trott and vice-captain Malachi Jones are not burdened with even more responsibility in the wake of Kelly's withdrawal.

Instead Manders is challenging the rest of the squad to step up to the plate and make a name for themselves with Kelly, 19, now out of the World Cup picture.

"The loss of Stefan has upset our programme but we can't afford to lose sleep over it," he said. "There's a spot up for grabs now and this gives someone else an opportunity.

"We've spoken to Rodney and Malachi and reassured them we don't expect any more runs or wickets from them than we had already. We want to see some others rise to the fore and take on the challenge."

Kelly is currently studying at Oakham School, in England, and will be sitting important examinations later this year. His exam results will have a crucial bearing on whether he secures a place at one of England's top University Centre's of Cricket Excellence (UCCE). He has Durham University and Loughborough University in his sights.

Manders added: "We've left the door open to Stefan and you never know what can happen. But as it stands he won't be playing in the World Cup."

It is likely either Machai Campbell or Kevon Fubler will be called up as Kelly's replacement.

The squad travel to India for an intensive training camp at the end of this month from where they will head to Malaysia.