Wolves' star striker John Barry Nusum will begin trials with crack Scottish Premier League club Glasgow Rangers on Monday.

But there was confusion yesterday over whether he would be joined by PHC marksman Stephen Astwood, who flew to the UK with Nusum on Thursday night and according to a local TV report had also been offered trials at Rangers.

Tommy McLean, head of youth development at the Scottish club, said yesterday he was expecting only one player — Nusum — and knew nothing about the arrival of Astwood.

He suggested the two players might be using the same agent but Astwood had been recommended to another Scottish team.

"At the moment our youth set-up is closed down. But it opens again on Monday," said McLean. "I was told yesterday that there was one person coming in (from Bermuda) on Monday. Apparently he's arriving today or tomorrow but he needs accommodation from Monday.

"Who that person is I haven't a clue. All I know, it's an under-21 player who's been playing in the States.

"Whether the other one (Astwood) is going to another club, I couldn't say. You know what agents are like, they'll be phoning around different clubs."

McLean said it had been recently-installed Rangers boss Alex McLeish who had originally received information on Nusum.

"Alex called me to say there'd be one more for training on Monday, and that's all I know at this point," said McLean.

"I personally don't know the lad. Maybe Alex heard about him when he was at Hibernian, I really don't know. But we'll take a good look at him, and if you call me next week I'll tell you what I think."

The trial was reportedly arranged over the Christmas holiday by Bermuda national senior coach Mark Trott but yesterday details were still sketchy. Trott couldn't be reached for comment.

However, Nusum's mother, Ellvera Robinson, said that both her son and Astwood had accepted an invitation from the Glasgow club.

"They've already left. They flew out last night (Thursday)," said Mrs. Robinson. "They're heading straight for Glasgow.

"But I really can't say much more. John Barry has asked me not to say anything to anyone at this point, and I want to respect his wishes."

She added that Nusum had recently been in touch with his coach at Furman College in the US where he was showered with honours following another outstanding season at the collegiate level.

During his stay in Bermuda over the holidays he fired home six goals as Wolves lifted the Dudley Eve Trophy, and many are already comparing the 20-year-old to a young Shaun Goater.

For 21-year-old Zebras striker Astwood, the trip to Britain could give him a second bite at the cherry.

During 2000, he earned trials with several English clubs and was eventually accepted at First Division Preston North End before work permit complications prevented him from taking up the Lancashire club's offer.

Because Bermuda were not ranked among the top 75 nations in world soccer, the British Government refused to issue a permit which would have allowed Astwood to sign a professional contract.

Nusum was expected to be hunted by several Major Soccer League teams in the US after again impressing at Furman, but he recently indicated he would prefer to play professionally in England.

He is already the most decorated athlete in Furman College history, having made All-American for the third consecutive year, following in the footsteps of his father, Johnny, who was similarly honoured in 1974, '75 and '77.

He was one of three finalists for the 2001 Hermann Trophy, college soccer's equivalent of college football's Heisman Trophy, and is Furman's all-time leading scorer with 61 goals, 39 assists and 161 points.

Should Nusum return to the US, he is scheduled to play in the prestigious Umbro Select College All-Star game in February.