Justin Donawa is optimistic that Bermuda can rise to the challenge of the final round of World Cup qualifying.

Donawa is seeking a recall to Michael Findlay’s squad after not being involved in recent international windows as a result of commitments with club side Brackley Town, who were recently promoted to the Vanarama National League, the fifth tier of English football.

The Gombey Warriors will square off against group B rivals Jamaica, Curaçao and Trinidad & Tobago home and away in September, October and November, and Donawa sees no reason why they cannot be successful.

“It won’t be easy as we have some hard games in that group, but I have no doubt we can compete and get something out of it,” Donawa told The Royal Gazette.

“We’ve proved it before so there’s no reason why we can’t do it again. I want to be involved and try to help us get to the World Cup.

“That’s the ultimate goal and I am excited and looking forward to possibly being involved in the fall and helping us reach new heights as a country.”

The group B winners will secure their spot at next year’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, along with the other two group winners, while the best two runners-up have a second chance of making it through in an inter-continental play-off.

Donawa recently extended his contract with Brackley Town and is looking forward to showcasing his skills in the National League in the upcoming season.

“I am happy to be back at Brackley this year having gotten promotion last season from the National League North to the National League,” said Donawa, who celebrates his 29th birthday today.

“I am really excited to see what the season holds and have a full season underneath my belt because last season I came off an injury when I joined Brackley initially.

“It’s just nice to get a full preseason in and start a season healthy, and I am really looking forward to it.”

Donawa helped the Saints clinch promotion to the National League for the first time in the club’s history last season and manager Gavin Cowan is delighted to have retained his services.

“Justin gave us exactly what we needed when he came to us last season,” he said. “A player with lots of National League experience who is very versatile and with attributes that suit our style of play.

“We’re really pleased Justin is with us and a good preseason will stand him in good stead.”

The Saints’ preparations for the upcoming campaign got started on Tuesday and Donawa is excited to rejoin his fellow team-mates on the training ground.

“It’s early stages but just nice to be around the boys and meet all the new faces and seeing everybody from last year,” he said.