Khano Smith breathed life into Bermuda's World Cup qualifying campaign with an inspired performance against his fellow countrymen that suggested the Major Soccer League (MSL) star's injury concerns are now behind him.

Having been given the huge responsibility of wearing the captain's armband, Smith led by example and was the chief architect of two of the Revs' six-pack victory.

It was Smith's first taste of competitive football following groin surgery late last year. And he passed the test with flying colours.

"I was pleased with my first run-out," he said. "It was encouraging, although I still don't feel one hundred percent. There's definitely still room for improvement." Beleagured national coach Keith Tucker again declined to speak to The Royal Gazette. But even he must have been delighted to see Smith charging down the flanks with confidence and shrugging off clumsy tackles.

Smith sat out of Bermuda's recent 1-1 World Cup draw with Cayman Islands through injury. But judging by last Saturday's performance at the National Sports Centre looks set to bolster Tucker's squad for next month's second leg against the Caymans in the Caribbean.

"I definitely want to be there, that's the plan," Smith said. "And hopefully I will."

As for Bermuda's performance against the visiting Revs, Smith said: "Obviously Bermuda have potential and just need to find the right way to get it out.

"I thought the guys possessed the ball better in the second half. I just think they need to take note of our (Revs) professionalism and watch our attitude on the pitch and stay positive.

"But I'm sure they got a good exercise out of the match tonight."