omission of youngster Lionel Cann from Bermuda's ICC Trophy squad, saying that the player has only himself to blame for not showing commitment to training.

Cann launched a public attack on the board last week following his exclusion, having originally been picked, but Gibbons says Cann misled the public with his comments.

"His statement in the media really painted the public a wrong picture,'' said the veteran of four ICC Tournaments this week after being given permission by the BCBC to speak to the media. "We have been training together since early September and he's not even been twice.

"On three other occasions he did turn up to the training location but didn't train because of a groin injury. He was walking with a lot of discomfort and yet two hours later was playing football. He's not being honest with himself and is being very untrue with the board.'' Gibbons, 38, sees a lot of himself in Cann from about 15 years ago when he was not only the brightest all-round talent but also lacking in discipline. He says the youngster has the ability to be the top all-rounder in Bermuda for years to come.

Gibbons also points out that the lack of interest shown to training by the likes of Cann, Richard Basden and Glenn Smith, his team-mate at Bailey's Bay, made it easier for the board to stick with the experienced players.

"I don't want anyone to think this is a personal vendetta, but I do consider Lionel to be a youngster with a bundle of talent,'' Gibbons stressed.

"I look at him and see myself 15 years ago, having all this talent and the fight to win but with a very serious disciplinary problem. He could be making things worse for himself.'' Gibbons was often in trouble with authorities and is the first to admit that he often got away with it whereas Cann's behaviour is clearly not being tolerated by the board.

"I didn't realise how important I was to this country and the sport of cricket until I was told by the board at one of my disciplinary meetings that no player is bigger than the game,'' said Gibbons.

"After those words got through to me I went on to fulfil my potential as Bermuda's best.'' Unlike some of the youngsters coming through, getting Gibbons motivated to play for his country has never been a problem in the past two decades since making his Bermuda debut at the age of 16.

The upcoming ICC in Kenya will be his fifth -- and almost certainly last -- with participation in the 1996 World Cup being the perfect way for him to end his international career.

"From day one when I first got into the team I've always enjoyed training,'' said Gibbons.

"If some of the youngsters would have shown interest in training a few of us senior players may not have been picked.'' While he believes the 1979 team remains the best Bermuda team in the ICC, Gibbons feels this year's squad will be the best prepared in terms of fitness, thanks to the work done by Nick Jones at the Olympic Club.