new National Stadium as the island bids to put itself in a comfortable position after Sunday's first leg World Cup qualifier with Haiti at the National Stadium.

The Rotherham professional has more of a liking for the National Stadium than most Bermudians, having scored every time he has played there for his country since the half completed facility re-opened on February 13, 1990 with a 1-0 loss to the United States.

Goater is the man who will put fear in the Haiti team, having established himself as a consistent scorer since making his Bermuda debut on the four match tour of Barbados and Trinidad in April 1989 while awaiting a work permit with English First Division club Manchester United.

The former North Village star scored on his debut in the 2-1 win over Barbados and has been scoring for his country ever since with eight goals as a senior international, including a hat-trick against Barbados in a friendly international at the stadium in May 1990. Goater has played three matches for Bermuda at the National Stadium in the last 23 months and has scored five goals.

However, Bermuda's success doesn't depend solely on the scoring ability of Goater, for the country's most impressive victories in the last couple of years were both achieved without him. They beat Russian team Lokomotiv Moscow 2-1 in a match in October 1990 which marked David Bascome's international debut, albeit a short one as he lasted only 21 minutes before a bad tackle by Rachid Gallagberov sent him to hospital with knee problems.

Bermuda followed that victory up with a 1-0 win over the United States at PHC Stadium the following February as substitute David Burchall's goal in the last minute cost coach Bob Gansler his job.

It was the best period in Bermuda soccer since winning their qualifying group in the Pan Am Games here in 1979 which also involved the United States, Canada and Mexico and then in 1987 when they beat Mexico in the Olympic qualifying first leg match at BAA Field.

Depending on Meshach Wade's fitness, Bermuda will again be served by its four professionals as the island re-enters the World Cup after a 22 year absence.

Kentoine Jennings, however, might start in a new midfield role instead of at fullback where he played against Norway in February or in the heart of the defence where he made his debut last September against Jamaica at the National Stadium.

During the recent tour of Jamaica the Hereford defender played a good ball winning role in midfield and looks like being part of a four man midfield with Kyle Lightbourne, scorer of 33 goals last season, likely to start again as Goater's partner up front. Manager Gary Darrell has the luxury of an abundance of players to choose from and may even go with a 4-3-3 formation in a bid to take a good lead to Haiti next month.

This country's record against Caribbean teams in the last couple of years has been quite impressive, having played eight matches -- in the Shell Caribbean Cup and in friendlies -- against Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia and Jamaica; from which there have been four wins and four draws.

Goater's return from England last night was delayed because his airline tickets were late in arriving due to the Easter Holiday weekend. He is now due to return this evening and will have three full sessions with the Bermuda team on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning.