Warhorse Meshach Wade admits he is too long in the tooth to be affected by big-game nerves and hopes his relaxed demeanor will rub off on some of his rookie team-mates in Trinidad.

Having played in pressure matches for Hereford United and with Bermuda in numerous World Cup qualifiers, Wade is not a player who is easily fazed.

"I used to suffer from nerves when I was younger and played overseas in England with Hereford," said the Hamilton Parish player/coach. "But I think I'm a bit beyond nerves now and to be honest the butterflies are no longer there."

As well as anchoring the midfield in a position described by Bermuda Kenny Thompson as the 'Makelele role', Wade knows part of his responsibility as a senior player will be to help implement the team's game plan.

Hardly surprisingly, considering his wealth of professional experience, Wade is more than comfortable acting as Thompson's on-field lieutenant when the Gombey Warriors face Trinidad at the Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya tomorrow.

"I'd thought about making a return to the national team a long time ago," said Wade who received a surprise call-up prior to the national team's training trip to London, UK, in April.

"I hadn't been involved since Kyle Lightbourne's reign. But during the early part of the domestic season I picked up a groin injury, which prevented me rejoining the national programme.

"The minute I regained full fitness I spoke to Kenny and told him I was willing to come back onboard and he opened his arms to me.

"I'd briefly spoken to Kenny about getting me back into the defence, but with Kofi Dill coming onboard he's pushed me further up the field and asked me to run the line from there.

"I think it's a good role for me and I'm comfortable there."

Wade has been impressed with the level of dedication and maturity of Bermuda's young team and is confident they will still be in the hunt when the Soca Warriors make the return trip to the National Sports Centre on June 22.

"It's a very important match for us. We have a good group of young guys who are willing to work and get the job done," said Wade. "If we're dedicated, work together and do what's expected from the coach I think we'll be fine.

"I've played in Trinidad during the Digicel Cup and there's always a great atmosphere down there. The boys are all up for it and training has been very productive and intense over the last few weeks."