Khano Smith confirmed yesterday that he will be available for Bermuda's second friendly International against Caribbean Football Union (CFU) rivals Barbados June 9 at the National Sports Centre (NSC).

And the Major League Soccer (MLS) star is now chomping at the bit to slip into the Island's national colours next month as Bermuda step up their World Cup preparations.

Smith said: "To be honest, I'm looking forward to playing for Bermuda again; that's my attitude. I spoke with the coaching staff (at New England Revolution) yesterday (Tuesday) and they said it's fine for me to return for the second match against Barbados and obviously the World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad."

Barbados went down to a heavy 3-0 defeat against Bermuda's next World Cup rivals in Trinidad last weekend. But having suited up against the 'Bajan Pride' in the past, Smith knows it's better not to take the Island's fellow CFU rivals for granted.

"Barbados are a typical Caribbean team and I'm sure they will look to move the ball around and keep it if they can. I know they have a few physical guys as well and they do have some pretty good players," he said.

But with the likes of Ralph Bean Jr, Keith Jennings, Johnny Ball and Randy Robinson now in the senior national set up and Kenny Thompson having been re-appointed as head coach, Smith sees no reason why Bermuda cannot be successful against the visiting Bajans.

"I think we stand a good chance of beating them because they probably have the same team as before (2006 Digicel Cup) who are not getting any younger, while our team has definitely improved," he said. "We have some experienced players who are still young and I definitely think we stand a good chance of beating them."

With next month's matches against Barbados to be played less than a week before Bermuda fly to Trinidad for the first -leg of their World Cup qualifier against the 'Soca Warriors', Smith says it's vital he and his senior national team team-mates gain some momentum before they depart for the Caribbean.

"It's important for our morale to go into the Trinidad match knowing we just beat Barbados who are pretty similar in style of play," he said. "It will be important and as long as we can iron out any kinks and give a good performance against Barbados, which is very important, I think we should get the right result."

Smith is also delighted to see former team-mates Bean and Jennings back in the national team fold and coach Thompson back in full command.

"Ralph and Keith have been playing at a high level for a number of years and have won just about everything there is to win in Bermuda," he said. "They are two quality players who are going to improve the level of the team and I'm looking forward to playing with both them.

"As for Kenny being re-appointed as head coach, I think it's going to be a smooth transition because obviously he's been there and worked with the players before and it's unfortunate Keith Tucker had to step down for whatever reasons.

"Keith was a decent guy who I didn't have any problems with him. But we must now move forward with Kenny who has the respect of the players and knows his stuff.

"I think Kenny is the man who can prepare us best for the match coming up with Trinidad (World Cup qualifier)."