quickly regain the camaraderie which the squad enjoyed during its away World Cup matches in the summer.

That was one of the reasons why coach Gary Darrell was careful not to make any drastic changes to the squad which has shown total commitment during the four World Cup qualifying matches against Haiti and Antigua earlier this year.

Dandy Town fullback Lloyd Christopher is the only new face in the squad which was cut from 32 to the present 20. Otherwise everybody else has some World Cup experience.

"Looking at how we performed in the last round we were just looking for backup people,'' Darrell explained yesterday.

"Being together now is like when we're away, there are things going on in the camp that only those in the camp know about.'' Christopher's versatility makes him a popular addition to the squad. "He's been playing well with his club and is versatile enough to play at either rightback or leftback,'' Darrell explained.

"With people like Neil (Paynter), Meshach (Wade), Kentoine (Jennings), Elliott (Jennings) and Lloyd who can play anywhere, it gives us some options.'' Christopher, 27, is excited about his callup to the squad and has quickly settled in. "I'm enthused about being a part of it, though it has taken a little while to get here,'' the Dandy Town defender said.

"I was a part of it back in April for the trip to Jamaica but I didn't go because I had to study for my CPA exams. I'm looking forward to getting my first cap.

"I feel the harmony is there in the squad, everybody gets along. The guys know what they've got to do and they're always encouraging each other in training.'' Darrell has still not finalised his starting team, and while he admits the team performed very well in its last match against Antigua, that match was three months ago and some things will have happened since then.

"The team is 90 percent picked,'' he confirmed. "We have tougher opponents this time around so we'll be better prepared tactically.'' Top scorer Shawn Goater, whose four goals enabled Bermuda to get past Haiti and Antigua in the last two rounds, will be retained in a deeper role just behind the main striker.

He played in that position against the United States Olympic team in the friendly and in the home match with Antigua and Darrell says there is no need to change.

"The team performed its best in the last two games when we played the combination of Kyle and Elliott up front,'' the coach stated. "That was the best combination we've had. One of the problems we had with Goater (as striker) was that he didn't get the service he was accustomed to. It suits us better to have him playing from behind.'' Darrell has full praise for the facility at Warwick camp, from the rooms to the food. "The guys are taking the opportunity between training sessions (there have been two a day this week) to get some rest,'' Darrell said. "I'm only asking that they work about 90 minutes a session.

"We've had a couple of good sessions with Nick (Jones) on the beach in the morning. There was some complaining but the work was done. The players have been asking for this and it's giving us the opportunity to prepare like our opponents.'' A full-colour World Cup souvenir programme, to mark Bermuda's unprecedented run in the world's top soccer event, goes on sale tomorrow. Proceeds from the programme, produced by Creative Associates and the Bermudian Publishing Company, will benefit the Bermuda Football Association. The $2.00 programme is on sale at ticket outlets and all Bermuda's home second round games.

ON THE BALL -- Leroy Stevens shows his passing skill during training at National Stadium as teammate Neil Paynter looks on.

VERSTILE -- Full back Lloyd Christopher is the only new face.