Montserrat will enter their World Cup qualifier against Bermuda without playing any warm-up matches ? and it's by choice.

Assistant coach and player Ottley Laborde says team management decided this to keep morale up ahead of their February 29 away, first-round clash.

Asked if management didn't feel there was more to be gained by playing any friendly internationals beforehand, he replied: "We weighed up the options and the management team decided it's better not to play a game before.

"We don't want them to lose against another team and then feel demoralised. So we're gearing straight towards the Bermuda game and we want to peak at that moment."

He conceded that, given this approach, it's difficult to assess the squad's preparation or how well they are likely to fare against the Bermudians.

In addition, the 36-year-old police sergeant who plays striker admitted they know little about Kenny Thompson's outfit which, by contrast, has had four friendly fixtures ? two each versus Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago ? in their World Cup build-up. However, the Montserratians have been keeping abreast of the results in Bermuda's recent matches.

It will be the volcanic island's second time participating in the World Cup's qualifying rounds ? the first being in 2000 when they were dumped out of the first round by the Dominican Republic ? and they are taking this encounter quite seriously ? a great deal hinges on it.

"This is very important. I'm looking at it from the point of view of football in Montserrat as a whole. If we win it will inspire a lot of young players and encourage even more persons to come out and play football," explained Laborde, adding that even if they lose they will be seeking more international experience this year.

"A win would spur a lot of interest here and do a lot for the team's morale. It would boost our confidence and belief that we can take on teams ranked higher than us. We know we can but we lack competitive matches and our ranking is due mainly to that."

Montserrat ? FIFA's lowest-ranked member at 204th ? have been in camp since Monday where they are doing a lot of physical, technical and tactical training.

The 18-member squad, along with officials, will remain there until travelling to Bermuda next Thursday. Among those scheduled to represent the Caribbean territory are Wayne Dyer, a midfielder who plays semi-professionally for Hinckley United (Dr.Martens League) in England.

Born in Birmingham of Montserratian parentage, the 26-year-old has the distinction of being the only person ever to score for the island in a World Cup qualifier. He achieved this feat in their 3-1 home loss to the Dominican Republic on March 19, 2000.

A few other overseas-based players, including Vladimir Farrell (Sunday League), are also expected to turn out for Montserrat in the battle of the two British Overseas Territories.

The team is coached by Antiguan William Lewis with Laborde as his assistant. While still playing competitive football, the latter has pursued his coaching ambitions through various courses.

In 1996, he earned a diploma from Brazil's Football Academy and last year received his international licence from the English Football Association.

"I'm training and I'm also in training," declared Laborde, chuckling at his duel role.