Bermuda can expect to play on a surface as good as the Island's own National Stadium pitch when they play the away leg of their World Cup second-round qualifier in Antigua on Sunday.

The Caribbean island's Recreation Ground, also used as a Test cricket venue, has recently undergone a $7 million revamp.

Antigua coach Statchel Joseph yesterday told The Royal Gazette : "It's like a billiard board. When I first saw what they'd done, I thought they'd painted it green.'' But the protection of the surface for cricket had meant the team had little opportunity to train on the World Cup venue and even less chance to play friendlies there.

Antigua have not played a game in the World Cup yet this year, as they advanced through the first round with a bye because of the suspension of scheduled opponents Guyana.

All their preparation matches for the Bermuda tie have been played away, including two games against league teams in Trinidad last week, said Joseph.

"The first one, we lost 2-1 to W.Connections, a First Division team in Trinidad,'' said the coach. "But we were still suffering a bit from jet lag.

The plane arrived at 12 midnight and the game started at 10 a.m. next morning.

"The second game was much better. We played Joe Public, the Caribbean club champions, and we beat them 2-1.'' Joseph described the team that would face Bermuda as a "blend of youth and experience'', with no professionals.

"Most of the players are youngsters, but the team is built around three or four stalwarts,'' said Joseph. "I'd say the average age would be about 20 or just over.'' The forward line of veteran Derrick (Pretty Boy) Edwards and Gayson (Bubbler) Gregor was a perfect example.

"Derrick is the Antigua national team's leading goalscorer and has been around a while,'' said Joseph. "And Gayson is only 16, exciting, quick and willing to learn. He will learn a lot playing alongside Derrick.'' Joseph said the team would be very different from the last time the countries met, in two friendlies in Bermuda in January last year, when each side won a game 1-0.

One survivor from that team is the experienced Quinton Clarke. In midfield, former skipper Veron Edwards has recently returned to the squad and the playmaker in central midfield is the under-17 team captain Desmond Bleau.

"I don't know how Bermuda have been playing, but I know my guys are ready,'' added Joseph. "I think we should be looking for a good result at home and then see what we learn from the first leg to help us when we go to Bermuda.''