HOPEFULLY the debate that seems to have risen from last week?s 20-20 World Cricket Classic on whether the North Field at the National Sports Centre should become a venue reserved solely for cricket or continue to facilitate all sports will subside as quickly as it emerged.

It?s really a no brainer.

While it has to be accepted that in light of Bermuda now having acquired full international one-day status, cricket desperately needs a home of the highest standard, on an island this size with so few quality sporting facilities it would be ridiculous to think that any part of the NSC could become their own domain.

The Sports Centre was planned and has been built on the premise that it would cater to all sports, and there?s no need to change that just because our cricket team have qualified for the World Cup.

What the Classic proved last week was that in a matter of days the North Field can be transformed into a first class facility whether it be for cricket or any other event.

And with the completion of the Centre Core, it will become even more adaptable.

That said, there?s also no reason why it couldn?t be used primarily for cricket, especially when an acceptable turf wicket is eventually laid.

And if critics believe that wicket would be damaged through the playing of other sports on the same field, they might want to look at what?s happening in other countries.

In Australia, for instance, the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), was used recently for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games as well as all track and field events, and in the past has even hosted Aussie Rules.

There are numerous other examples around the world of major grounds, considered the home of one particular national sport, accommodating others.

Wembley in England might have been the ground on which every football player dreamed of playing. But the old stadium was very much multi-purpose, hosting a variety of sports from show jumping to rugby league. And when the new stadium?s eventually completed, it?s unlikely football will be the only game played on its precious turf.

Rather than limit any part of the NSC to one game, encouragement should be given to all sports governing bodies to take advantage of the facilities.

It is, after all, the only ground in the country where spectators can enjoy any degree of comfort.

SHAUN GOATER finally hangs up his boots tomorrow after a remarkable career which should serve as an inspiration to any youngster hoping to follow the same path.

Fittingly he?ll bow out on a winning note ? with a Southend United team who have already clinched automatic promotion and can wrap up the League One title tomorrow, having started the season as bookmakers? favourites for relegation.

That The Goat played a part in this amazing success story is no coincidence.

During some18 years in the English League, he?s been on a promotion-winning side on no less than seven occasions.

And with four of the six clubs for whom he?s played, he?s finished as top goalscorer in more than one season.

As talented as he is, Goater won?t go down in the history books as one of the world?s most gifted players.

Everything he achieved came by way of an extraordinary work ethic which drew praise from every manager under whom he served. He was, to use the old cliche, a ?model professional?.

Tomorrow at Roots Hall, fans and former team-mates from the club with which he made his biggest impact, Manchester City, friends and family from Bermuda, even the Gombeys, will be on hand to salute one of the game?s most respected players.

Enjoy the day, Shaun. You?ve done yourself, and your country, enormously proud.