Somerset Trojans? injury-prone striker Rohaan Simons might get his new year?s wish after all ? another chance to represent Bermuda and rub shoulders with the New England Revolution.

The Revs are due to return to Bermuda for the second straight year next month, only this time around to compete against Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Simons, 28, missed out on the opportunity to play against the Major League Soccer (MLS) side when they last toured Bermuda, defeating Kyle Lightbourne?s national side 3-2 at the National Sports Centre.

The former Southampton Rangers striker, who was a part of Bermuda?s 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying bid, missed the match through injury but witnessed Jamie Holmes? superb treble and fellow compatriot Khano Smith take his first step towards a professional career by forging Bermuda ahead against the run of play from the bleachers.

?That was really frustrating for me because I was injured a week before the tour started,? recalled Simons, who incidentally returned to training at Somerset from a knee injury earlier this week.

?But I would be very happy if I could have another chance to play for the national team. And hopefully I can stay healthy and be a part of it all.?

The wiry striker, who possesses an uncanny ability to score goals on the big day, has been sidelined since injuring himself during Trojans? November 30 FA Cup replay loss to Devonshire Cougars at the Den.

The ?self inflicted? mishap occurred when Simons landed awkwardly on his left knee.

New England are most likely to stage their CONCACAF quarter-final first leg tie against Alajuelense at the Sports Centre on February 22.

The occasion will mark the first time the Island has hosted the tournament in the new millennium, having done so previously in the 1980s and 90s.

Local Premier Division side PHC Zebras reached the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals in 1986 under then coach Leroy (Nibs) Lewis.

Simons added: ?I?ve been out of the game for just over a month now and the knee feels pretty good. I actually played in a friendly church match on Boxing Day and scored a couple of goals. I?ve seen the doctor and have to return for another check up soon and I felt okay in training the other night (Tuesday).

?You?re always going to be cautious when you return from injury and really I just want to avoid pulling anything at this stage of my recovery. So naturally I?m not going to come out blowing full steam in training.?

Premier Division leaders Trojans take on struggling Boulevard on January 15 in a match they must win in order to maintain a three-point lead over second placed North Village with only six matches remaining in the 2005-06 campaign.

Simons was to quick to admit that being knocked out of the remaining cup competitions has been a bitter pill for Trojans to swallow.

?It?s been disappointing, but that?s just football I guess,? he added.

As for his chequered season, Simons explained: ?It?s been difficult trying to adjust but whenever I do play I just go out there and try to do my best for the team.?

But in terms of a possible show against the incoming Revs, the Trojans poacher said: ?I would have to do something exceptional coming back off an injury without much playing time before the tour.

?So I would really have to work hard to get into that side (national team) because at the moment we have a fair amount of strikers that are capable of making the team and doing well.?

Meanwhile, Simons? Trojans team-mates Stephen Astwood, Timmy Figureido and Jelani Scott are also expected to be included in national coach Lightbourne?s squad should the Revs? plans to have a series of pre-CONCACAF warm up matches against the local boys come to fruition.