Master marksman Shaun Goater is to make a surprise return to the national team set-up as a striker's coach ahead of Bermuda's World Cup qualifying campaign.

The forward-thinking move reinforces coach Keith Tucker's vision of "one football family" and will see Goater share his goalscoring expertise with the team's attackers during one training session per week.

Goater said he had no hesitation in accepting Tucker's request for him to work one-on-one with the likes of Stevie Astwood and Aljame Zuill as they prepare to shoot down Puerto Rico in next week's friendlies.

"Keith Tucker asked me if I'd come down and take some sessions with the strikers and I'd no hesitation in accepting," said Goater, who scored a staggering 32 goals in 36 international appearances.

"I've always wanted to help with the national team programme in some capacity and this arrangement will be good for all concerned. I really feel it's the right thing for me to do.

"It's an important time for the national team with the qualifiers approaching and I'll be looking to lend my knowledge and experience to the strikers. "

It is no secret Tucker sees his immediate priority as tightening up Bermuda's defensive unit before next month's crucial qualifier with the Cayman Islands.

Conversely, his striking reserves are reasonably well stocked and having Goater on board should allow Tucker more time to solve his defensive dilemma.

Front-man John Barry Nusum has been mentioned by Tucker as an emergency centre-half, but Goater would understandably be keen to develop the Philadelphia Kixx striker's attacking game and work with MLS star Khano Smith, in particular.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Khano," he said. "I saw a few of his games for the Revs last season and there are a few things I will chat to him about that I believe will really enhance his game.

"It will be good to work with John Barry Nusum as well. Like Khano I believe he's injured at the moment, but it will be good to work with his talents at close quarters.

"I only played one international match alongside John against El Salvador, and I was hobbling around with an injury so I didn't get a chance to really appreciate his quality.

"This arrangement should also allow Keith Tucker to concentrate on other departments of the team, which I know he is keen to do.

"I must stress I'm only doing one session a week, and I'll only be working with the strikers."

Goater concedes that his new role will also have knock-on benefits for the Bermuda Hogges.

"I suppose me helping the national team will also help the Hogges," said the franchise president.

"When I put on a striker's session when the Hogges convene for training it won't be like we're starting from scratch now.

"I'm familiar with almost all the national team players, but now I'll also have a chance to take a closer look at the non-Hogges players during training."