last night when he announced that skipper Albert Smith was not in the starting line-up to face Haiti tomorrow in Bermuda's World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium (4 p.m.).

Somerset's midfield maestro Kenny Thompson instead will start alongside Meshach Wade and Kentoine Jennings in a 4-3-3 formation.

"Kenny Thompson has been brought in simply because Albie Smith hasn't been doing too well,'' said Darrell prior to the team's last training session. "In the one game in Jamaica he wasn't that mobile while Thompson played well on both occasions. Things look good with Thompson, Kentoine Jennings and Meshach Wade in the middle.'' Overall there are three changes to the team that faced Norway in Febuary with Kevin Grant inserted at right-back with Jennings pushed forward in midfield, while Voorhees Astwood keeps out Albert Caisey at left-back and Thompson.

Smith first captained Bermuda against Norway, but following an inauspicious debut where he -- as well as several others -- did not perform up to expectations, some doubt was cast over manager Darrell's choice.

However, Smith did something to allay those fears on the recent tour to Jamaica, which turned out to be highly successful with an under-strength local team emerging with a 2-0 win against professional side Wavers and a scoreless draw against a well-drilled Jamaican national squad.

In the absence of Smith, Rotherham professional Shawn Goater is tipped to be the new captain -- at least for this game -- and will have to step to the fore and lead the young side in their quest for a spot in the next round.

Goater, who will be looked upon to carry the goal-scoring burden along with fellow front-runners Kyle Lightbourne and Sammy Swan, rates Bermuda's chances as favourable going up against the Haitians who come in as an unknown quantity.

"We have a good chance of going through. I'm happy with who we've been put up against,'' said Goater. "We have a 50-50 chance just like them (Haiti).'' Hopeful of continuing his goal-a-game streak at the stadium, Goater said that he feels comfortable being the `go-to' guy.

"I'm glad of the added pressure to score goals.

"It keeps me on my toes and makes sure that I go about my job in a professional manner.'' One thing in Bermuda's favour is the defence, which has really come together and has been a strong point with the combination of Kevin Grant, Leroy Stevens, Shawn Smith and Astwood performing admirably in front of goalkeeper Dwayne Adams while in Jamaica.

Darrell chose to stick with Astwood at left-back rather than put Albert Caisey back in the line-up even though it is clear that Caisey is more accomplished in that position.

Said Darrell: "Voorhees was outstanding in Jamaica and his steadiness makes us awfully solid at the back.

"Going into this important game I didn't really want to interfere with the defence at all although there was a time when I considered Albert Caisey.'' Nevertheless, Bermuda's attack will have to alleviate some of the pressure from the defence and convert their chances. Although they were able to find the net twice against Wavers -- both goals coming against the run of play -- the frontline did little in the way of creativity against Jamaica.

Another aspect of their game which must improve is tackling and being stronger on the ball. They were manhandled a bit in recent games, hence the inclusion of Hereford professional Kentoine Jennings in midfield as the designated ball winner.

"The team did well in Jamaica and I'm hoping that we learned a lot in terms of adjusting to opponents who are physical,'' said an obviously upbeat Darrell. "Kentoine (Jennings) showed them how to respond by fighting back in midfield in both games after we were pinned down in the first half.'' Fellow pro Wade, who missed the last tour, and Thompson are expected to supply support to the front-runners along with Jennings.

And with Wade coming off knee surgery it will be interesting to see how he responds in his first match situation since February.

Bermuda remain in the dark as far as what to expect from a Haiti team due to arrive on the Island this afternoon.

Said Darrell: "We don't know what to expect from Haiti, but if we were able to adjust to the teams in Jamaica I'm hoping we can do the same thing again if we need to.'' Bermuda's starting line-up (4-3-3): Dwayne Adams; Kevin Grant, Shawn Smith, Leroy Stevens, Voorhees Astwood; Kentoine Jennings, Meshach Wade, Kenny Thompson; Kyle Lightbourne, Shawn Goater, Sammy Swan.

VOORHEES ASTWOOD -- Has impressed manager Gary Darrell with his adaptability at left-back.

OUT -- A run of indistinguished performances has earned Albert Smith a spot on the bench as Bermuda go with their fifth captain in as many matches.