David Jones Jr and Tevahn Tyrell hope to follow in Rai Simons’s footsteps and force their way into the first team at English non-League side Ilkeston.

Jones and Tyrell, who are both Bermuda Under-18 players, joined the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side at the start of the season and have featured regularly for their under-21 and academy teams.

Simons, the Bermuda striker, starred for Ilkeston Academy before breaking into the first team ahead of his move to Sky Bet League One side Chesterfield at the end of last season.

Both Jones and Tyrell have travelled with the club’s first team this season, with head coach Andy Watson believed to be keen to give them a taste of senior action.

Tyrell, a powerful forward, was a regular for Robin Hood in the Premier Division last term, while Jones, an attacking left-sided defender, has been in England for several years, previously playing for Mansfield Town Academy.

Paul Scope, who forged a link between the island and Ilkeston 2½ years ago, said he had received encouraging feedback from the club about both players.

“David and Tevahn are pushing hard for a first-team place and I wouldn’t be surprised if they feature before the end of the season,” said Scope, who owned the now defunct Bermuda Hogges.

“I think some of the younger players will get a chance as some of the club’s players moved on during the transfer window.

“Both players are scoring goals in the youth team and I’m told they will get an opportunity. The coaching staff seem to be very happy with what both players are doing.”

Another Bermudian player impressing at the Derbyshire club is midfielder Paul Douglas who joined them several months ago.

The 18-year-old National Academy player is a former trialist at Barclays Premier League side West Ham United.

“Paul had to get international clearance because he had been playing and studying in the United States,” Scope said. “They’re also impressed with him and he’s certainly someone who has caught the eye of the coaches.”

Two other Bermudians, goalkeeper Jahquill Hill and midfielder J’nai Butterfield-Steede, have also featured regularly for Ilkeston’s under-21 side this season. Scope said it was unclear whether they would remain at the club next season.

“Jahquill and J’nai are playing regularly and training everyday, so they can only be improving,” he said. “I think both will see at the end of the season whether Ilkeston is the right place for them to stay.

“I will help with them [with their next move] if that’s a decision we all make.”

All five Bermuda players recently moved into an improved apartment — partially funded by Scope — near the New Manor Ground. Jones, Tyrell and Butterfield-Steede are gaining their qualifications as part of the club’s Education Programme.

“The accommodation the boys had been staying in wasn’t satisfactory,” Scope added. “They moved into a new place a week ago. It’s newly renovated and within walking distance to the ground.

“It has six separate rooms, three or four en suite, so the players aren’t having to double up. It’s fully furnished and the boys are happy and comfortable.”

Hood trio Antwan Russell, Lejuan Simmons and Roger Lee, as well as Danté Leverock, now at Harrisburg City Islanders in the United Soccer Leagues, are among the Bermudian players to have spent time at Ilkeston since the club linked up with Bermuda.

Scope said there were plans for more Bermudian players to have trials at Ilkeston next season.

“If the players meet the criteria, which is sometimes subjective: do I think they can handle the English winter, do they have the right character, are they prepared to be patient. They’re not going to get into the first team right away.

“Rai Simons didn’t get in the first team right away. I’m still convinced Rai got his professional contract because of what he did while playing for Ilkeston Academy in the FA Youth Cup rather than the first team.”

Former Ilkeston player Lee has moved to Basford United, making two appearances for the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South since his debut last weekend.

The Bermuda defender had been playing for Rugby Town in the same division, which is the eighth tier of English football.