Veteran defender Meshach Wade has received a shock recall to Bermuda's national squad for next week's training trip to the UK.

Wade, a former Hereford United professional, is the surprise inclusion in coach Keith Tucker's 21-man squad, which includes 15 Bermuda Hogges' players and Ipswich Town starlet Reggie Lambe.

The squad jets off to London on Sunday (April 27) and will spend three days training at Fulham FC, before facing Chelsea reserves in a mouth-watering match next Thursday (May 1).

Goalkeeper Nigel Burgess, who plays under ex-Bermuda skipper Wade at newly promoted Hamilton Parish, thought his player/coach was joking when he said he was returning to the national team set-up.

"At first when he said he would be back in training (with the national team) this week I honestly thought he was joking," said Burgess, who missed out on selection for the trip.

"But once I heard he was included in the squad I was happy for him. It's good to have two Hot Peppers' (Hamilton Parish) in the national fold.

"It bodes well for the team and our community. He will bring a lot of experience to the back four and plenty of knowledge of how to adjust to different situations."

Bermuda Football Association's (BFA) technical director Derek Broadley said MLS outfit New England Revolution, who are currently feeling the strain with injuries and suspensions, had chosen not to release winger Khano Smith for the training camp.

John Barry Nusum is the other notable absentee with the Philadelphia Kixx striker unavailable due to other commitments.

Lloyd Holder and Keith Jennings are on standby for the trip while the BFA await confirmation from Antonio Lowe and Jason Davis.

Broadley's former Crystal Palace colleague, Vic Bettinelli, now at Fulham, has been the catalyst in organising the Chelsea clash and will also be putting Bermuda's goalkeepers through their paces during their stay at the Cottagers training ground.

The BFA have launched their new website, which will provide all the latest information on both male and female categories, including league standings.

For more details visit www.bermudafa.com

n It was reported in the Nation Newspaper in Barbados yesterday that the Caribbean Island have scheduled an away match against Bermuda.

Ian Rawlins from the BFA confirmed that they are in talks with a Caribbean country.

It is believed a press conference will be called after the team return from the UK.

Bermuda's 21-man squad for the Fulham Training Camp: Tim Figuerido, Jason Williams, Kevin Richards, Omar Shakir, Antonio Lowe, Darius Cox, Marquel Waldron, Meshach Wade, Michael Parsons, Jason Davis, Keishen Bean, Sammy DeGraff, Kwame Steede, Jemeiko Jennings, Seion Darrell, Reggie Lambe, Brendon Minors, Domico Coddington, Damon Ming, Stephen Astwood, Lashun Dill.

On standby: Keith Jennings and Lloyd Holder