Being involved again with Bermuda has given Damon Ming a new lease of life at a time when most players in their mid-30s have already hung up their boots.

Just weeks after hinting that this would be his final season, the Dandy Town Hornets midfielder won a second straight MVP award and returned to the Bermuda set-up ahead of their World Cup qualifying second-round tie against Guatemala.

The 36-year-old hopes to be involved in Bermuda’s friendly against Puerto Rico at the National Stadium tomorrow night, having missed the first-round games against Bahamas because of club commitments with Hornets.

Ming returned to the fold for Bermuda’s friendly against the Mexico Under-23 side in Mexico City last month, starting in midfield in the absence of several overseas-based players. He delivered a performance that showed there is plenty of mileage left on his clock.

“Damon is special, he’s got a good heart and works hard in training,” Bascome said. “He asked to come back after he saw the [home] game against Bahamas. I have an open invitation and he asked to be part of things.

“It’s important for Damon to be around the group and if any player wants to play a part then he’s welcome to try. But I have the right to say whether he can train or not.”

Ming’s vast experience could be useful against Guatemala, with the former Somerset Trojans player looking forward to the matches, whatever his role might be.

“It’s good being back playing with the younger guys, I’m just there to add my experience and push them along,” said Ming, who had a short stint as a professional in England with non-League side Barnet.

“Whether I’m on the field or on the bench, I’ll be there to help. The training sessions have been nice and you definitely know what [Bascome’s] trying to do in each session. It’s been very organised and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

Ming has been playing a nurturing role for the younger players at Dandy Town, many half his age, and he is looking forward to performing a similar job with Bermuda. He remembers Nahki Wells, the Bermuda captain, coming through the ranks at St John’s Field about a decade ago.

“It’s really exciting to see his progress from a youngster, you could tell he had only good things coming his way,” Ming added.

“I still feel the best is yet to come from Nahki,” Ming said. “I look to him to be the driving force behind the success that this team can possibly have.”