Instead the 24-year-old Bermudian is undergoing an intensive weight programe to cure the problem that has dogged him for the past couple of years.

"The doctor didn't feel it was necessary to do it and has me on an intensive training programme,'' said Bascome from his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Bascome has been released by the Harrisburg Heat of the National Professional Soccer League, but his salary is being paid by the league's insurance policy while the Bermudian also keeps busy coaching youngsters in Harrisburg.

Bascome is hoping to make a comeback in indoor soccer later this year, either in the NPSL with another team or in the Continental Indoor Soccer League where his name has been submitted in time for the April 10 draft. That league starts on June 1.

One drawback is that most of the teams in that league are in the western United States and Bascome would prefer to stay on the east coast.

"I'm going to have to make up my mind whether I play in the winter or the summer league,'' Bascome explained. "I'm still coaching at the Labonan Valley College, which is a Division III team.'' Bascome has not played since late December, having intitally gone to Denver Thunder for a brief period last season. They have since folded.

And while he is anxious to begin playing again, Bascome is just as determined to make the right decisions. His goal is still to play in an outdoor pro league.

"My back is doing fine and I could probably play now but I'm taking it one step at a time,'' he said.