Raynel Lightbourne, sensationally dropped from the Bermuda Under-23 soccer squad after refusing to submit to a drug test prior to the Pan American Games, has been reinstated.

The lanky forward was yesterday included in a 28-member training squad presented by coach Mark Trott to Bermuda Football Association (BFA) general secretary David Sabir in advance of the two-leg Olympic qualifier against Costa Rica.

It had been feared Lightbourne's career with the national squad might be over after he walked out before a drug test in February.

Lightbourne, who scored the winning goal against Jamaica back in December that allowed Bermuda to qualify for the Games, abruptly left a Pan-Am team meeting on February 25 and two days later his name was left off the Under-23 list.

However, the player has steadfastly denied refusing to be tested and openly questioned the test procedure.

When questioned over Lightbourne's inclusion, Sabir stated bluntly: "He (Lightbourne) hasn't done anything wrong, so he's been included.

"It's only a meeting. Nothing has been finalised (with regard to squad).'' Coach Trott said that he never wanted to drop his star striker in the first instance, but was bound by the rules governing the Games team selection.

"Manga (Lightbourne) has never been a problem,'' said Trott. "The only thing was that he didn't do something that he had to do.

"He was internally disciplined and all is fine now.'' In all 16 new names were added to the squad, while six were omitted, including all three over-age players -- Shawn Smith, Karl Roberts and Shawn Simons -- who are not permitted to take part in the Olympic qualifying rounds.

The other three were Somerset pair Steval Arorash and Sean Simmons, together with Jermaine Belboda of Devonshire Colts.

"This squad has a number of younger players which gives the team more speed and natural ability,'' said Trott, who will hold a meeting with the squad at the BFA office on Monday (6.30 p.m.). I've found from my experiences that team speed is very important outside of natural ability.

"I think this team should be a strong one and this squad provides a solid base.'' Trott emphasised that he would be taking a no nonsense approach with regard to attendance at training sessions and meetings. Those who failed to appear would be axed Bermuda are due to play the first leg against Costa Rica at home in late July, with the away leg early the following month.

Training squad: Dwayne Adams, Tim Figureido, Dyke Lawrence, Andrew Rahman, Jahmah Samuels, Dano Outerbridge, Blenn Bean, Makonnen Hollis, Dean Bailey, Kimandi Binns, Aaron Lugo, Ottis Steede, Tafari Outerbridge, Giovanni Wilson, Nakia Smith, Kwame Tucker, Janeiro Tucker, Stanton Lewis, Raynel Lightbourne, Keimon Lawrence, Ascento Russell, Jamel Smith, Keith Jennings, Jamel Robinson, Damon Ming, Quincy Aberdeen, Dennis Zuill, Lamaul Crofton.

All are required to attend the meeting on Monday.