take part in Bermuda's World Cup qualifiers as long as technical director Clyde Best is in charge.

Before leaving for the squad's warm up matches in Florida, Best suggested that Tucker, who remains one of the Island's more talented forwards despite having had a delicate knee operation four months ago, was capable of getting back into the picture.

But Tucker says he doesn't want to know.

"I haven't thought about it in a long time,'' he said. "It certainly is not a priority, but it all depends.

"I can't say that I wouldn't play again, but the fact of the matter is that right now I would rather play under somebody else other than Clyde. If there was a different coach then I would consider it ... but I don't think I would play under him.'' He added: "The knee really feels fine. I have played five games to date, starting three and coming on as a sub in the other two and I am doing quite well physically.

"Right now I feel strong, my overall health is pretty good. However, as far as national duty in soccer is concerned, who knows what lies ahead.

"But right now it's Clyde who I don't care to play under, I have played under Robert Calderon and a few others when I was younger and they are okay, but not Clyde. If there was a different coach then maybe I would consider national duty if I were asked.'' Tucker refused to explain his opposition to Best.

But the equally talented cricketer maintains that for the moment that remains a priority of his two sports.

This summer he will take over as skipper at Southampton in place of Olin Jones, who has quit to concentrate on his batting. Last year's century in Cup Match is another incentive for him to lean towards cricket.

Another influence may be that he turned down the offer to captain the Bermuda team in the Red Stripe Bowl last year, leaving Charlie Marshall to snap up the chance.

The cricket season that lies ahead appears to be loaded with international activity with Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James already announcing a number of international commitments ahead for senior and junior teams.

But the fact remains that Tucker is a skilfull soccer player and though he is not nearly close to peak fitness, he has shown in his games to date that he is better than many other players around.

Southampton's coach Earl Basden has been astonished by Tucker's form since returning to action on a regular basis a month ago.

The coach pointed out that Tucker had already notched four goals since his return, but more important, he has given the team greater enthusiasm.

And it is also the view of Basden that Tucker, even at a time when he is not totally fit, is playing much better than many who have been called up for national duty.

"Janeiro really lifts the team with his great ability to control the game and with his skill and great potential,'' said Basden. "With all of these qualities he has gained the respect of his team-mates who responded the moment he came back to the game.

"What really amazes me is that he isn't really fit, yet he is already playing at a higher standard than a lot of other players around, including some who have gone off for training in Orlando.

"The way I see it, if they are carrying players in the squad who are injured or lacking in form, Janeiro deserves a place with his qualities. But all of that would hinge on whether he has an interest in playing at a national level.

There's no denying that he would be included if selection was based on merit.'' Back with a flourish: Janeiro Tucker has scored four goals for Southampton Rangers following his return from a knee injury.