Bermuda Football Association should know by this weekend whether their two England-based professionals, Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne, will be available for any of Bermuda's two World Cup qualifying matches against Antigua next month.

FIFA have allowed countries to demand the release of players for international matches, but the two players are apparently not keen to leave their clubs during important promotion matches in the last month of the season.

Lightbourne's Stoke City, still in with a chance of reaching the play-offs in the Second Division, will also travel to Wembley on April 16 for the Auto Windscreens Shield final against Bristol City, with whom they drew 2-2 on Tuesday night. The first leg between Bermuda and Antigua is scheduled for April 16.

Goater knows his presence in the Manchester City team will greatly boost their chances of clinching the second automatic promotion spot in the First Division, thus fulfilling a long time dream of his of playing in the Premiership.

Yesterday, both players declined to reveal their position while discussions were ongoing with the BFA.

"We're in discussions and should come to some agreement,'' said Goater. "I'm due to hear from them by the end of this week.'' Lightbourne was in Bristol on Tuesday when Best called his home and he, too, is waiting to hear from the coach.

"There is nothing the clubs can do about it, but they're asking for some leniency on the BFA's behalf,'' said Lightbourne. "We just have to weigh up the options.'' Lightbourne is keen to fulfill every footballer's dream of playing at Wembley.

In fact, he could go there twice in a few weeks if Stoke reach the play-off finals.

"People are saying it's like a bus, the first one takes a long time to come and then you have two in a minute,'' said the striker. "That could be the same with the Wembley situation.

"We're looking to get into the play-offs and will be looking to pick up as many points as possible. If we go undefeated I think we can make it.'' On April 22, the day before Bermuda meet Antigua in the second leg, Stoke play a crucial match followed by another two days later.

Another thing playing on Lightbourne's mind is that he was unable to reclaim his place in the team immediately after rejoining Stoke from the World Cup match against BVI. But he has started in the last two matches, and managed his ninth goal of the season against Bristol City, their opponents in the cup final.

"I think it was a good dress rehearsal last night and that we were unlucky not to win it,'' he said.

"We had a goal disallowed and they went up the field and scored to make it 2-2. We were disappointed to be leading and for them to get a draw. I thought we were the better team for about 60 minutes.

"It was good to get a goal last night, hopefully it can get me on a run between now and the end of the season and I can finish on a strong note.'' Talks continue on World Cup From Page 17 Goater has been scoring goals at an impressive rate this season, with only England captain Alan Shearer (29) having netted more among players from all four divisions. And with eight games remaining Goater has a good chance of hitting the 30-goal mark for the first time, although he admits he would gladly give up some of those goals to assure promotion for the club.

A few weeks ago Goater spoke of catching leaders Charlton, but now City will have to settle at best for the second promotion spot as Charlton are running away from their rivals.

"Forefront in my mind is for us to get into the second promotion spot and stay there,'' said Goater yesterday.

City will manage that if they win their game in hand next Wednesday against Bolton, which would take them a point clear of Ipswich and Barnsley... assuming all three teams win their away matches on the weekend.

"The challenge is there for us and for me the reward is to play in the Premiership. It's a case of being totally committed and to sacrifice whatever it takes. April is going to be ever so important.'' For Goater, the dream of playing in the Premiership goes back to 1989 when he first signed for Manchester United. Now he is set to achieve it with the Blues after several years in the lower divisions.

"Definitely, it's a massive club and the expectations are huge,'' said Goater, who still has two years of his contract remaining. He admits that at age 30 he is now thinking about ending his career with the club.

"This is a great time to be playing at the club.

"We feel the club is going in the right direction, they're a great bunch of lads and we all get along.

"The only other opportuninty I would have to get into the Premiership would be if someone was to buy me. But it is always good to get promoted with a club because you know the players, the staff and you are settled in. I would really love to get promoted with City.''