Lejaun Simmons is thrilled to be back in the fold for Bermuda’s Concacaf Nations League showdown with Barbados tonight (9pm Bermuda time).

Simmons, the most capped player in the Bermuda squad with 45 appearances, missed the team’s 5-2 loss to St Lucia on Monday after being sent off in the opening 2-1 defeat to Guadeloupe last Friday.

“It feels good to be back in contention,” Simmons told The Royal Gazette.

“It’s not an easy feeling sitting in the stands watching the match when you always feel you can impact in some way.

“The next match is important and the morale is high in camp. We know this isn’t our standard and it isn’t good enough.

“With this new group and young players getting ready to take over the torch, it’s minor details we’re looking to get right that has been going against us.”

As one of the senior figures in the squad alongside Nahki Wells, Zeiko Lewis and Justin Donawa, Simmons has been passing on his experience to the younger players.

“It’s been good providing guidance to the youngsters in the team,” the 33-year-old said.

“The players are adapting well and taking in the information being given, it’s a good group overall.”

Simmons identified areas where Bermuda need to tighten things if they are to achieve success against Barbados.

“Correcting the mistakes that were made in the last game, we need to be more sound at the backline to give the front line a chance,” he said.

“I feel we made it very easy for St Lucia to get in behind us with balls over the top. More communication through our backline will be needed, that’s the bare minimum at international level.”

The Dandy Town defender returned to the national side last year after overcoming a ruptured Achilles tendon that threatened to end his career.

“It is a blessing to be back playing at this level,” Simmons added.

“It’s never an easy injury to come back from, even when you keep up with the rehab and maintenance afterwards.”