Controversy surrounding Shaun Goater's decision to remain with his club rather than play for Bermuda in the two upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Antigua remains a talking point among local soccer fans. ..and opinion appears to be divided.

The Island's other England-based pro, Kyle Lightbourne, also finds himself at the centre of an ongoing debate as he ponders whether to remain in the UK and help his club Stoke in their promotion battle or return to represent Bermuda.

Bermuda's World Cup campaign couldn't have arrived at a worse time as the English season enters its last month with both Goater's Manchester City and Lightbourne's Stoke involved in the race for promotion.

Local fans offered their opinions on the issue of whether the players should be brought in or left to complete their seasons in order to fulfill ambitions of playing at a higher level next season.

Some felt it was unfair to interrupt the players' progress by bringing them back while others were adamant they should return to help their country in the World Cup.

Somerset Trojans trainer Norbert Simons said: "I understand Shaun Goater's position but if we want to develop national pride we should put our best team out at all times.

"Shaun has scored a lot of goals in England and I don't see him losing his place with Manchester City. His market value has increased this season and if his team are not promoted I can't see why he will not be snapped up by a Premier Division side.

"When we talk about the great Pele, we associate him with Brazil and not his club side Santos. Still, you can't knock the players for seeking personal goals.'' Former North Village defender Troy Harvey said: "I don't feel that it is wise to have players like Goater and Lightbourne jeopardise their careers now just for the World Cup.

"We need to respect the fact that they are playing for a living and don't need this sort of distraction. The World Cup is a tournament that everybody likes to participate in but here we have players' long-term careers at stake and by being forced to elect country over club at such a vital time of the season is unfair. I don't see anybody else placed in the position of choosing the World Cup over their job.'' Lobster Pot and former national youth team player Troy Berkeley said: "If the players are happy with their respective decisions then you just have to respect their opinions.'' Noel (Sub) Smith , a former St. George's Colts forward, said: "Worldwide the country has the right to use their top players, no matter where you go and I think if Bermuda intend to go any further they need their best team.

"You look at the issue with Trinidad and Jamaica, they call them back and it's forgotten about, there are no issues.

"The country has the number one say according to FIFA rules. I realise that the players have to look at their pro careers but when it comes down to it, the country comes first. I don't know why there is so much controversy.

"What happens if we don't bring them back and we lose the game by a simple goal when we know that the team would have scored more often with Goater and Lightbourne? "And when something like that happens people are going to say we should have brought them back, but why wait until something like that happens?'' Charlie Marshall , Bailey's Bay and Bermuda cricket captain, said: "My opinion is they should leave those guys alone to concentrate on their soccer.

Shaun Goater has made an excellent decision.

"Even with kids in school, I feel clubs should leave them alone to concentrate on their studies. This is Goater's livelihood and they should leave him alone. I'm a supporter of the decision he made.'' James Paynter , former PHC midfielder, said: "Just as long as the players coming in aren't hurting their livelihood. To me it's not a matter of club versus country, but are the BFA going to pay his wages? After reading his (Goater's) comments to clarify things from his side, I completely understood where he is coming from.

"He was talking from his heart, this was his ambition since he left Bermuda and he is in a position now where if he were to come back home he might lose his position or even pick up an injury.

"If we lose the first leg 2-0 then we could be in a position where we could demand that these guys come back and play.

"But if we can get past a situation without having to utilise these guys to the detriment of their ambitions, then give the other guy the opportunity to show himself.'' Mansfield Smith , well known St. George's Club official, said: "I am against bringing Shaun Goater back because his livelihood could be at stake.

"It's unfortunate that Manchester City are in this position at a time when Bermuda need his services but he should stay with them because it's been his life-long dream to play in the English Premier Division.

"Actually I strongly believe that Bermuda can in fact deal with Antigua without him this time.'' Eugene Crockwell, St. David's coach, said: "We definitely shouldn't interrupt Goater. If he was 21 years old, yes, but not now. This may be his last chance to make it in the English Premier Division and we shouldn't hamper his progress. We have to respect his position because of his age as he approaches 30. I feel that there is sufficient talent left in Bermuda to enable us to go forward and take care of business against Antigua until he is available.'' Shaun Goater: has decided to skip Bermuda's two-leg World Cup tie against Antigua in order to boost Manchester City's promotion push.