Bascome was omitted from Bermuda's Caribbean Cup team last week because of his lack of fitness for the outdoor game.

The Bermuda Football Association technical director insisted that Bascome was left out only because of ongoing contract negotiations in the US.

"I find it difficult to even have to respond to such unfounded rumours. But I will say that David and myself did have a conversation about playing in the tournament and the two of us know what was what,'' said Best.

"Even Mr. Sabir, the BFA's general secretary, talked with him and we all know about his case and we went along with what he said to us. It's certainly not that we had anything against David, he was doing a contract and just wasn't available because he was still negotiating.

"The case was that he was negotiating a contract and he didn't want to be in Bermuda without a signed contract. If your source knows of another reason then I suggest that you bring that source forward because that was not the case.'' The Royal Gazette had been told that Bascome's omission stemmed from his "lack of fitness for the 90-minute game'' having become accustomed to playing just indoor soccer with Harrisburg Heat.

But Best stressed that Bascome and other top Bermuda players were given equal consideration for selection.

Bascome was a member of the squad in last year's Caribbean Cup tournament held in the Cayman Islands and performed well.

Best said all local players, whether based here or abroad, would be given careful and equal consideration for selection for the squad in the future.

Striker Kyle Lightbourne, who scored four goals in the opening match against the Bahamas, and goalkeeper Dwayne Adams, were the only two overseas players returning for the recent tournament, as both Bascome and Shawn Goater were unavailable.

Bascome and Lightbourne both played in the same tournament last year in the Cayman Islands as Bermuda failed to advance against the Cayman Islands and Cuba.

The country suffered a similiar fate this time when, after wins against the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, they went down to Cuba in the deciding match on Sunday.

Cuba now advance to the finals next month in Trinidad against defending champions Jamaica, the host country and the six quaifiers from group play.