professionals available for the final World Cup match with Canada on December 6.

Striker Shawn Goater and defender Kentoine Jennings confirmed yesterday at the airport shortly after the team's return that they have not made plans to return to their clubs, Rotherham and Hereford United, early now that Bermuda are out of contention for a place in the next round.

That should be welcome news for Darrell who wants to field his strongest team against the Canadians. "Personally I don't have any problems with them going to their clubs right away, but it would be nice to have them here to show our appreciation to the public for their support and to get a good result to finish on a strong note,'' Darrell said.

"There's no question we felt capable of getting beyond this round. We know we're capable of doing better.'' The Bermuda team were met at the airport yesterday by a host of officials, including Premier John Swan, Sports Minister Pamela Gordon, Shadow Sports Minister Dennis Lister, Bermuda Football Association president Charlie Marshall and Louis Mowbray of the Bank of Bermuda, the team's major sponsors.

The team will take a much-needed rest after a demanding two-and-a-half-week trip before beginning their preparation for the Canada match. "It's going to take us a few days to get over the hectic schedule we've been through,'' Darrell said.

Both Goater and Jennings have vowed to be there when training resumes as Bermuda seek to protect their unbeaten home record and get a result against the Canadians that could determine who qualifies for the next round.

"I have a lot of things to do outside of the actual World Cup,'' Goater said.

"I'm still planning for soccer clinics and still want to play and get as many goals as I can. Seven goals in nine games, I'm quite happy with that and I think my gaffer will be happy with that overall.'' Rotherham have lost just once in Goater's absence and the Bermudian, whose place has temporarily been taken by loan player David Currie, accepts it is not going to be easy getting back into the team when he returns.

"They're doing very well and obviously the player on loan will be there until the 7th (of December),'' said Goater. "I won't go back and get straight back into the team. It's going to take two to three weeks.'' Jennings is also content to stay with the Bermuda team. "The World Cup did some things for me and I want to go through the tournament the whole way and play in the last match,'' he stated.

"This has taught us we need to get more involved in international competition, not just the World Cup. Some lessons have come out of this for me. My agenda is to finish off here and then to establish myself at Hereford.'' This World Cup campaign could signal the end of Sammy Swan's international career. He said yesterday that he gave serious thought to retirement after the loss in Canada on the weekend, but will instead defer a decision on his future in the game until at the end of this season.

"There are a lot of things I want to do but football takes up a lot of time,'' said Swan, at 31 the team's second oldest player.

Swan said he intends to make himself available for the Canada match, if he is needed. "I'll do what I can to help if the coach wants to use me,'' said Swan, who scored his first World Cup goal against the Canadians.

"I started something and I just want to finish it. If I stop playing I'll definitely stop completely (domestically and internationally). There are other things becoming more important. Things are not like they used to be.'' WELCOME BACK -- Bermuda coach Gary Darrell is greeted at the ariport yesterday by Sports Minister Pam Gordon.