Concacaf powerhouse Trinidad and Tobago ominously await Bermuda should they progress past the Cayman Islands in the first stage of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Bermuda, who unveiled Keith Tucker as their new coach earlier this month, were pitted against the Cayman Islands in a home and away series for February during yesterday's draw in Durban, South Africa.

The winner will advance to the second stage where they will meet 2006 World Cup veterans the Soca Warriors.

Ranked 83rd in the world, Trinidad and Tobago became only the second Concacaf nation to appear in football's premier showpiece, where they narrowly lost 2-0 to England in the group stage.

Moments after learning of the draw, an optimistic Bermuda Football Association (BFA) president Larry Mussenden said: "The BFA will be quite optimistic with the first round draw but wary not to take anything for granted.

"I am confident newly appointed national coach Keith Tucker will put together the strongest possible team, one that will be capable of beating both the Cayman Islands and Trinidad."

Mussenden said he was confident Bermuda could overcome the Cayman Islands to set up a showdown with Trinidad and Tobago - a nation that has produced a plethora of Premiership stars including ex-Red Devil Dwight Yorke and former Newcastle keeper Shaka Hislop (both pictured far left) along with Sunderland hot-shot Kenwyne Jones.

"We know Trinidad are a different calibre team having already made it to the World Cup," added Mussenden. "As a member of the Concacaf region it's going to be a good battle, but one that we are confident we can overcome."

Under the stewardship of Kenny Thompson, Bermuda failed to advance to the second round of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers after bowing out against El Salvador at the National Sports Centre.

See Page 25 for the full 2010 World Cup draw.