Versatile defender Kevin Richards believes Bermuda's back-line is benefiting from the PHC connection as he prepares to shut-out Cayman Islands.

Richards has formed a formidable partnership with Omar Shakir at Zebras this season with the duo set to continue as the bedrock of the national team's defence in Sunday's crunch World Cup qualifier.

The 26-year-old is confident both he and Shakir can translate their unyielding club form for country and stressed the importance of making the most of their home advantage.

"I've been playing all season with Omar at PHC and we understand our strengths and weakness and balance each other well," said Richards.

"I think Kyle (Lightbourne) has built a disciplined structure at PHC and we understand his philosophy. There are a few PHC players with the national team now and I think that's helped.

"It helps a lot when you play week-in week-out, especially in terms of communication and knowing what each player along the back-line can do. You know when you need to cover and when you can rely on your partner.

"Obviously the defence will be looking to keep a shut out against Cayman so we can go back there with a leg up."

The Bermuda Hogges player has resembled Keith Tucker's 'flexible friend' during the early stages of his stewardship, starting at right-back before moving to centre-half where he delivered assured displays against Puerto Rico.

And while Richards admits his favoured position is still right-back he is more than happy to answer Bermuda's central defensive problems.

"My preferred position is right-back but I'm comfortable anywhere across the back-line although my left foot can be a bit shaky! But I don't mind playing in the centre and with guys like Kentione Jennings going out of the game there's a void to be filled and I'm happy to fill it.

"The coach (Keith Tucker) has eased me into the role over the last few friendlies and that's helped build up my confidence."

The return of a number of senior players and the surprise re-emergence of veteran keeper Dwayne "Streaker" Adams should ensure Tucker's team possess a lot more 'know-how' than they did against Puerto Rico. Richards believes that extra maturity could be crucial.

"We had a very young team in the last few games and having a few more senior players involved gives you a confidence boost," he said. "They bring a professionalism to training.

"We're getting a few guys back from injury now and our two training sessions per-day are helping us gel."

He added: "I was involved in the 2004 World Cup campaign against El Salvador but I haven't played against Cayman. People tend to underestimate the small countries, but we consider ourselves to be pretty good and we're a small country."

The Squad

Bermuda national team's training squad for Cayman Islands. The 25-man squad will be reduced to 18 players for Sunday's match

Darius Cox, Omar Shakir, Kevin Richards, Cecoy Robinson, Sammy DeGraff, Timmy Figuerido, Nigel Burgess, Damon Ming, Domico Coddington, Reginald Thompson-Lambe, Naki Wells, Johnny Ball, Aljame Zuill, Corey Dowling, Marquel Waldron, Jason Davis, Antonio Lowe, Keishan Bean, Tyrell Burgess, Dwayne Adams, Khano Smith, John-Barry Nusum, Kwame Steede, Lashan Dill, Stevie Astwood