Top batsman Albert Steede has let bygones be bygones and will be available for selection for Bermuda's national team for next year's busy international calendar, it is understood.

This means that the former skipper, who withdrew from the squad this year rather than play under skipper Charlie Marshall for the regional tournament against Canada in Toronto and the Red Stripe tournament in the Caribbean, has relented and agreed to return.

It also means Bermuda will have last season's highest run-getter available for the forthcoming visit by MCC in May when the tourists will be playing seven matches, including at least three against the national squad.

Thanks to an initiative taken by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Elvin James, the two players have discussed their views at a meeting attended by the president and other squad members. As a result the way has been cleared for Bermuda to have the two prolific batsmen function with clear minds in early preparations for the challenges ahead.

James, however, was reluctant to give any detail about the talks with the squad which is being assembled, but did confirm that Steede was about to make a return.

"All I can say is that we met with the squad members, including the two players, and matters pertaining to cricket were discussed,'' he said.

"And Albert Steede did confirm that he will be back out training and be available for the ICC Trophy tournament -- there is certainly nothing controversial about it.'' With Steede back in the fold, James urged other players who did not make themselves available for the Red Stripe tournament this year, to reconsider the positions and support their country by rejoining the squad.

While refusing to name any players in this category, one noticeable one is outstanding left-handed batsman Glenn Blakeney, who had publicly stated his intention to rejoin the squad for international duty early in the year only to change his mind.

Two young players, both who have been included in the Under-19s and the senior squad, Landro Minors and Chris Foggo, are understood to have disappointed the Board's selectors because of their reluctance to make a total commitment to training.

The Board have worked hard towards assisting in the continued development of the two players, but they are baffled over their refusal to show a positive response when it comes to training and other required commitments.

One youngster who has them cheering with delight and could be the answer to coach Winston Reid's search for a good, medium pace bowler for the senior squad is Mackie Crane.

Privately Board officials identify him as being a perfect example for prospects to emulate.

When Reid returned with the squad from the Red Stripe tournament he made it clear that Bermuda needed the service of a good, fast bowler and there appears to be nobody around but Crane who has the potential to develop into one.

While the make-up of the senior sqaud is unknown the nucleus is expected to consist of skipper Charlie Marshall, Albert Steede, Janeiro Tucker, Clay Smith, Richard Basden, Kwame Tucker, Wendell White, Lionel Cann, Hasan Durham, Jermaine Warner, Dean Minors, Herbie Bascome, Mackie Crane, Steven Outerbridge, Dennis Archer and Mark Ray.

Master blaster: Albert Steede who is set to return to the national team after a self-imposed exile.