Bermuda international Tyrell Burgess has been offered a trial with Canadian professional team Vancouver Whitecaps after impressing talent scouts with his goalscoring prowess.

The 22-year-old winger travelled to Canada yesterday where he will get the chance to showcase his talent before coaches of the USL First Division side, who play in the league above Bermuda Hogges.

Burgess starred for US-based youth development outfit Reading Rage, formerly coached by Bermuda technical director Derek Broadley, last summer and has continued his rich vein of form at Lynn University in Florida.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette yesterday, Hamilton Parish goalkeeper Nigel Burgess, said he was confident his younger cousin had what it takes to secure a move to Whitecaps.

"I've spoken to Tyrell and he's pretty excited about his trial with Whitecaps," said the Bermuda international.

"He really wants to make it as a professional footballer and this would be a great move for him.

"He definitely has the talent to make the grade and has been in great form for his college team this season.

"Finally he's been getting his name on the scoresheet regularly which is something I've been telling him to do for a while. I still think he's better playing through the middle as a striker but he seems pretty happy playing out on the wing."

Ex-national team coach Kyle Lightbourne handed Burgess his Gombey Warriors debut against Manchester City Youth Academy in 2005, while the flying wideman made his mark on the international stage with a stunning strike against Cayman in a World Cup qualifier in February.

He joined Reading Rage on the recommendation of Broadley, who said the North Village player's try-out was the reward for his outstanding performances for Rage and Lynn University.

"Tyrell had an outstanding season with Rage who made it to the final four of the national championships," said Broadley.

"I know their coach, Brendan Burke, was very pleased with him and I gather he has been very impressive for Lynn University so far this season.

"A lot of USL First Division coaches have asked me about him and if you keep playing well people will want to take a look at you."

Vancouver Whitecaps, who were founded in 1986, are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Khano Smith's Seattle Sounders and become an MLS expansion team.

The MLS will add two more franchises for the 2011 season with Phoenix Suns basketball star Steve Nash pumping a considerable amount cash into Whitecaps to help make their dream a reality.