Keith Tucker has been handed a major boost ahead of Bermuda's World Cup qualifying showdown against Cayman Islands with a raft of key players set to return.

Bermuda's only doubt for next weekend's crunch encounter is New England Revolution's Khano Smith who is nursing a groin injury and will need permission from Rev's medical staff.

Philadelphia Kixx marksman John Barry Nusum is back on board, Ipswich Town hot-property Reggie Lambe will be jetting in from the UK, while skipper Kwame Steede and winger Domico Coddington have both returned to training.

The injection of such leading lights should serve as a shot in the arm for Bermuda, who suffered successive home turf defeats against Puerto Rico last week.

Technical committee chairman Mark Trott said Tucker should have a near full-strength squad at his disposal for the first time since his appointment.

"A number of key players have returned to fitness, or are now available, and the team should look quite different from the lineups against Puerto Rico," said Trott.

"John Barry Nusum will be ready to rock and roll and will be a real boost for us. He loves playing for his country and we love having him around. We're also optimistic Khano Smith will be given the green light by his club when he returns to pre-season training next week."

Flying winger Smith admits the decision on whether he suits up against Cayman will rest with the Revs, although he is desperate to serve his country.

"Although I can run I'm not at 100 percent at the moment," said Smith. "My groin still feels tight and I can't really say whether I'll be available for the Cayman Islands or not.

"When I'm back in Boston next week the club's medical staff with check on me. Of course I'm desperate to play, but I'll need to be given the okay. If I don't play it won't be my choice. It just won't be my call."

Midfielder Reggie Lambe has been given the go-ahead by Ipswich to return home for the qualifier and Trott said the English Championship outfit was delighted to have their player involved. Lambe is due to arrive on the Island next Thursday following Ipswich's FA Youth Cup Fourth Round match against Watford.

"I have spoken to their academy manager Tony Humes who said he was pleased with Reggie's development," said Trott. "Ipswich Town are excited to have Reggie involved in our campaign and he's another boost for us."

Lambe,16, became the Tractor Boys' youngest ever full international last month when he made his debut in a 2-1 friendly defeat to St Kitts and Nevis.

Trott added: "We will also have Kwame Steede and Domico Coddington back from injury. Both players were keen to play against Puerto Rico, but we held them back so not to risk them for Cayman."

College players Tyrell Burgess, Antonio Lowe and Jason Davis are all likely to be available for next Sunday's game at the National Sports Centre.