Shotstopper Nigel Burgess is urging a small cluster of key players staying away from training to commit to the national team - believing a bright future is on the horizon under new coach Keith Tucker.

Burgess is keen to stress the response from the majority of players called-up for team trials has been hugely encouraging with plenty of pride and passion on show.

But he admitted around 20 of the 60-players invited had not yet shown due to disinterest or disillusionment because of past experiences with the national team.

The amiable keeper has taken it upon himself to try and convince some of the 'no show' party to sign up for Tucker's fresh regime, which launches into life with two international friendly matches against St.Kitts and Nevis this month.

"The players showing up at each session do feel honoured to represent their country," said Burgess. "Other than a low showing last weekend, which was compounded because some of the guys were coaching youth football, turnout has been very good.

"Of the 60 players called up, 20 are maybe not interested in the national team programme or put off because of past experiences, hence they are not part of the 'squad' that has been regularly attending.

"The other ten or so college and professional players have expressed a keen interest in playing for Bermuda and if they were on the island the training squad would be bolstered to nearly 40 players.

"The majority of players attending have been Hogges players although there are some experienced guys not attending. I've spoken to some about coming back into the fold as there's a very positive feeling in training and we need all of our best players involved."

Burgess, who was part of last season's Hogges squad, said it was important the sweat and toil players were putting into the programme was recognised by the Bermuda public.

"Training has been productive and the attitude of the guys has been excellent," he added. "It's a bit frustrating when you hear and read negative things because at our first meeting there were close to 30 players in attendance. It was the same at our first, third, and fourth training sessions at the National Stadium.

"We have the basis of a good team and most involved are the same players that produced good performances against United States Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Bahamas, and Barbados, which made it to the doorstep of the Digicel Caribbean Cup Finals, before going out to Haiti - the eventual winners."

Earlier this week former Bermuda legend Shaun Goater also urged those players not attending training to pledge their support to the national team after it emerged only ten turned out last weekend.

He said: "A new coach has been appointed and these sessions should be seen as an opportunity to impress him and win a jersey for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches."

Coach Tucker has since revealed the low turnout was partly because half the squad was out coaching youth football. Tucker said he had been delighted with the attitude of players in training.