Wing wizard Damon Ming has vowed to come out firing against St. Kitts and Nevis after keeping his powder dry since the final match of Bermuda Hogges' season.

Ming's franchise contract prevents him from figuring in local football with tomorrow's international friendly marking his return to the muck and bullets of competitive action after five months.

Despite the lay-off, the former Somerset Trojan has kept himself fighting fit and cannot wait to unleash himself upon the Leeward Islanders who were due to arrive in Bermuda last night.

"It will be nice to step out there and play again as I haven't played since Hogges' last game," said Ming, who is expected to start with fellow franchise player Stephen Astwood. "I'm really looking forward to getting a game under my belt. I feel fresh but although I've been doing a lot of running my match fitness is probably a little behind as I haven't played for a while. After training with the rest of the guys it seems I'm at a similar level though, and I'm raring to go."

Although only 29, Ming finds himself as one of the elder statesmen of Keith Tucker's youthful looking squad, which will be captained by Hogges and Devonshire Cougars captain Kwame Steede.

Ming, who had a stint at League Two outfit Barnet, is hopeful Tucker's arrival will be the dawn of an exciting new era for the national team with the new coach bringing fresh ideas and already fostering a togetherness within the dressing room.

"There's been a good atmosphere in training and we've been playing some nice football," he said. "The players are working well together and obviously most of us are used to playing together with Hogges, so that helps.

"We're just trying to get everybody on the same page at the moment and the pace a little higher. The guys all get along with the new coach and his style is very one-on-one based. There's been a good feeling since he arrived and he knows what he wants and expects us to deliver it."

Ming was named on the USL-2's short-list for Rookie of the Year in recognition of his performances for the Hogges. The award was picked up by team-mate and top goal-scorer Stephen Astwood. It had been hoped both players could have trials with English clubs, but they didn't materialise due to personal reasons.