Premier Division soccer players have been losing interest in the game because of a lengthy gap in the schedule, according to national team captain Shannon Burgess.

Burgess returns to action tonight as he and his Devonshire Colts team-mates take on Dandy Town in the Friendship Trophy semi-finals at Somerset (9.00 p.m.).

But the central defender, respected as one of the most dedicated players on the domestic scene, admitted it had been difficult even for him to stay motivated during the 17-day gap since his side's last match.

"To be honest, football has gone to the back of my mind for the moment,'' said Burgess.

"The lay-off we've had is unfortunate because at this stage of the season, teams are looking to perform and not having a game in three weeks can hurt even the best of teams.

"It's hard enough to motivate players to go training when you have a game.

When you get a lay-off, you go into lay-off mode and maybe put your feet up more than you should.

"When you deal with amateur sport, you have guys who have commitments, guys who have young families and who work shifts.'' The views of Burgess echoed those expressed by Dandy Town coach Andrew Bascome in The Royal Gazette last week. Burgess said Bascome had "hit the nail on the head''.

And because teams had lost their momentum over the past two blank Sundays, Burgess felt fans could end up being short-changed in terms of entertainment value.

"We are playing Dandy Town and the fans will look at the game and see we are one and two in the league, so you would expect a good game,'' said Burgess of tonight's clash.

"Because of the lay-off, the quality of the soccer might not be that good, but it's a big competition so the adrenalin will be flowing.'' Burgess said turnouts at Colts training sessions had been lower than usual, but at least the team had plenty to play for, as they are level-pegging with the Hornets at the top of the table with two league games to go, and still in both the FA Cup and the Friendship.

"It's hard enough when you are winning to stay motivated but if you are struggling against relegation and then you are given a month off, it's going to be very difficult to come back and fight to survive,'' said Burgess.

He added that he would have preferred to have seen the programme played out on successive weekends, even if that had meant an early end to the season.

Looking ahead to tonight's match, Burgess expected the Colts defence to have their work cut out in keeping tabs on Town's lively attack.

"It will be a tough match,'' said Burgess. "They have a lot of experienced players and energetic players and some very good attacking players like Paul (Cann), Duke (Darron Simons) and Carlos (Smith).

"So we will have to nullify that primarily by defending well.'' Colts are the Friendship holders, having beaten PHC in the final last year.

They trail Town in the Premier Division only on goal difference and the teams still have to play each other in the league on March 18 in a match which could decide the title.

Boulevard and Somerset Eagles will meet in the Shield semi-final at 7.00 in the first game of tonight's double header at the west end.

Shannon Burgess: `Not having a game in three weeks can hurt even the best of teams.'