Lionel Cann has been dropped from the ICC Trophy World Cup qualifying tournament.

For several weeks there have been concerns about the talented 24-year-old's groin injury, which occasionally caused him to limp. But during recent days he has insisted it was of no concern.

However, the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control figured otherwise and on Tuesday night replaced him with opening batsman Dexter Smith rather than take the chance of carrying damaged goods on the five-week trip.

Cann yesterday insisted that he is in good enough shape and physically capable of enduring the demanding tour schedule. And he did not react to the decision with the fiery outburst he has become noted for, instead showing how much he has matured in carefully sizing up developments.

"I was very disappointed when they told me the news. I am not injured. I can't see how the BCBC based their decision, I really cannot. But I don't want to say anything more about it and blow things out of proportion,'' said Cann.

Cann said he had been undergoing regular therapy and "my doctors have told the board that I am okay. I've showed them, passed all of their fitness tests, I don't know what to say.'' He makes no secret of the fact that he has been bothered by the injury on occasion, but not to the extent where it has caused him to be sidelined for any extended period. As proof he pointed to his long playing career in both soccer -- he still plays in the First Division with St. David's -- and cricket, and his recent training with the squad under trying conditions.

"The injury I had was an inner thigh injury,'' said Cann. "What it is is something I had for five years. It was bruised blood that got bone in it somehow and it turned into calcium, so the only way to get rid of it is surgery. It's not going to get any worse, it's just something that's lingering there.

"The important thing is that it doesn't stop me from doing anything, just once every month or so I may get a little pain. But nothing serious and you take pills for that. The doctor says for me to get that surgery I would have to rest for four to five months.'' For a squad labelled as lacking quality bowlers, the absence of Cann in the department will undoubtedly have a negative impact. But the presence of Smith in a team absent a specialist opening batsman serves to strengthen the batting.

Cann regards the squad heading to Malaysia it as a "decent'' one and feels that it needs the entire support of Bermuda.

"I felt that Dexter should have been among those originally picked. The squad has youth which was needed previously in the ICC teams. If this was done (then), by now they would be regulars in the team considered as experienced players.'' Yesterday's letdown was followed by good news, however, when Cann and spin bowler Del Hollis, 27, were given financial assistance by Gibbons Company Ltd.

to assist their cricketing careers in Scotland this year.

Cann will return to Abroath Cricket Club for a two-year spell while Hollis rejoins neighbours Freuchie Cricket Club.

"One good thing out of being dropped from the ICC team is that Mr. David Gibbons has made a vast contribution to the further development of youth and the sport of cricket in Bermuda,'' said Cann.

"Naturally I was disappointed to learn that I was no longer going to Malaysia with the team on Saturday, but when you see sponsorship coming at a rough time it reminds you that you must always remain optimistic. It's hard to find financial assistance these days and it's nice to see concerned people like Mr.

Gibbons step forward and help young people like us.'' Cann suggested that the sponsorship was a contribution to Bermuda youth because, in time, both he and Hollis would return home to put their experience towards the further development of Island youngsters.

Having been forced out of national commitments for varying reasons over the years, Cann intimated that there was some type of invisible force keeping him on the outside.

Whether it be injury or due to disciplinary action, Cann has had the bottom fall out on several occasions.

"I think I have been a good player for a while, and I believe that Bermuda have been deprived of my ability at a national level. Many things seem to go wrong for me when it comes to playing at that level, but I still wish and hope that I can play for my country.

"It is my intention to give something back to the Island one day. Even though things haven't worked out for me, that still is my hope. I want to play for my country, every person should want to do so. And that remains my dream.'' Dexter Smith