Association to swiftly move ahead with additional matches for the senior national squad in the coming months.

Talks have already been held on the possibility of having three of the six CONCACAF teams still battling for World Cup places to meet Bermuda in friendly internationals -- fixtures the trio would view as appetising warm-ups in their bid to qualify for next year's trip to France.

The countries which the BFA are keen to line up against are United States, Canada and Jamaica -- on a home or away series.

Encouraged by the team's play in two Shell/Umbro Cup qualifying matches in Kingston, Jamaica, last week -- and by the players' behaviour -- BFA president Neville Tyrrell said he was optimistic about the future upon arrival home on Tuesday night.

"We are definitely looking at these three CONCACAF teams. I have already spoken to the president of the Jamaica Football Association to see if they are interested, but of course these things surround a lot of negotiations,'' said Tyrrell.

"Nothing has come close to being finalised but we are going to make some overtures to the United States and Canada as well. With these three countries facing long schedules up to the next round of the World Cup it gives us some opportunity to have matches with them.'' With this plan in the pipeline, it's hoped the players will be encouraged to work closely with national coach Clyde Best.

Best and other team officials insisted after the two Jamaica matches -- Bermuda lost 4-2 on aggegate -- that it was imperative the BFA find opposition for the squad to maintain the interest of players.

Both Tyrrell and general secretary David Sabir were delighted with Bermuda's Shell/Umbro performance and the general attitude of the players. Both officials said it was the sort of performance that Bermuda needed to kick off their recently announced six-year international plan.

"This is a proud moment for Bermuda soccer and its fans, especially since the whole community obviously felt the pain and frustration of the result of four years ago. To get back into the international arena against a powerhouse nation like Jamaica and do very well is something that the whole of Bermuda should be proud of,'' said Sabir.

"Jamaica were excited that we were back in the Caribbean Football Union, their executives expressed their delight to see us go through with our commitment to participate.

"Now, of course, we regard it to be vitally important that the Bermuda community support this move to create an environment for the players to aspire, especially after seeing the players abide by all of our strict rules and regulations, both on and off the field, while on tour.'' The two officials expressed their gratitude to two major sponsors, Centre Re and the Bank of Bermuda, combined with the support of the Department of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation and other corporate sponsors, all of whom played a vital part in getting the six-year plan underway.

"They have made vital moves in helping us to jump-start our international endeavours, now we hope the Bermuda public will rally behind them and support our many other national teams we plan to have assembled for training in the near future,'' added Sabir.

Noting his discussion with various officials in the region, Tyrrell said that faith in Bermuda soccer had been restored among the CONCACAF nations.

"I'm glad that we made the decision to get back into the CFU. It's a move which proves that we intend to go full ahead with our development,'' said Tyrrell.

"I'm a little disappointed that Puerto Rico and Cayman Islands were not able to participate, but the two matches against Jamaica indicated to the players that there is a higher level they are going to have to achieve in order to reap any success.'' The Shell/Umbro is held yearly and while no decision has been made about Bermuda's participation next year, Tyrrell said that he personally hoped they would take part.