for Island soccer stars trying out for professional sides in England if it had been involved from the start, a Minister has said.

The Government have set up lines of communication with England in the hope of assisting several of Bermuda's top soccer players secure contracts with professional clubs in the Nationwide League.

But Home Affairs Minister, Paula Cox believes they may have been able to assist further had the Government been involved as soon as it was known the players were to be handed trials.

International striker Steven Astwood has been offered a one-year contract with First Division Preston North End while Tommy Carter is in the process of sealing a deal with Luton Town, and Tokia Russell and Rohaan Simons are having trials with Brentford and Swansea City.

The British Government insists that all non-European Union players must have played 75 percent of their country's international games in the last two years, and that their nation is in the top 75 of international soccer playing countries. Currently Bermuda are 149th.

Ms Cox said Government were aware of the plight of the soccer players and while they were doing all they could it might have been more helpful had they "been involved at a much earlier stage.'' She added: "It is wonderful when you can facilitate young people to work abroad. It enhances their skills and helps to make Bermuda look good.'' She said she believed a precedent had been set with the cases of Leeds United's Australian striker Mark Viduka and Manchester City's recent capture, George Weah and she was "hopeful'' that the Bermudians would be looked upon favourably.

Steven Astwood: still awaiting a work permit after being offered a one-year contract at First Division Preston North End.