Serious attempts are being made by soccer officials for two-sport players Janeiro Tucker and Corey Hill to join the national team currently training for next month's Shell/Umbro Cup.

Aldwyn Savery, chairman of the BFA's Coaching Committee, confirmed this week that Bermuda Cricket Board of Control had been asked to give the two players, also members of the national cricket squad, some leeway so that they could be allowed to challenge for places in the national soccer squad.

Just before the Christmas holidays national cricket coach Allan Douglas gave a directive to his players, requiring them to give a full commitment to cricket in the New Year if they intended to be considered for the ICC Trophy tournament in Malaysia in March.

Douglas said he hoped to enforce the policy as soon as the team returned from the training tour of Guyana. They arrived home on Tuesday night.

"We are well aware of the directive that the cricket coach gave to these two players and any others who may be involved in both of the sports,'' said Savery.

"I have approached a board official about giving them some leeway to train for soccer and our general secretary will be notifying them officially of such a request in a letter.

"We can understand cricket's position. But to deny players competing for places in another sport is certainly not the view of the BFA, we don't mind them training for cricket that's for sure.'' Tucker, a striker with Southampton Rangers, is the latest addition to the squad along with left full-back Albert Caisey of Boulevard. Tucker didn't travel to Guyana with the cricket team because he had only recently started a new job.

Hill, a forward with Vasco, did travel to the Caribbean but his interest in soccer was evident when he played for Vasco on Tuesday night just after arriving home.

He hinted, however, that he was tired after the tour and would probably take a rest from any vigorous soccer training.

"I didn't expect to play on Tuesday night. I only learned of the game when I arrived home. I called the coach and he said that I should bring my gear to the game in case Vasco were short,'' said Hill.

"I did exactly that and ended up coming on the field as a substitute for about 35 minutes. I felt pretty good. My legs were a bit heavy for awhile, but while I managed physically I still think I need a little break from soccer.'' When the Guyana tour ended Douglas indicated that the squad for Malaysia would be chosen as soon as possible after the team returned to Bermuda. It's understood selection could be made as early as Monday.

The two-sport players, if they are chosen for cricket, will then have to decide whether to commit themselves solely to the ICC Trophy or the Shell/Umbro competition.

It's thought unlikely that their jobs will allow them to travel to Jamaica for 10 days in February and then follow up with a five-week trip to Maylasia in March.

DILEMMA -- Corey Hill (above) and Janeiro Tucker (below) must choose between the Island's two national sports.

BRIAN LARA -- guided West Indies to victory with 103 in 113 balls.