Devonshire Cougars defender Kijuan Franks is determined to become a mainstay of the national team following his surprise call-up after a slew of defenders pulled out of next week's Digicel Cup.

Franks' last international appearance came against Canada at the National Sports Centre (NSC) over two years ago under Kenny Thompson - and he is now anxious to remind Bermuda's coach what he is capable of.

In the absence of defensive lynchpins Kevin Richards, Omar Shakir and Kofi Dill, Thompson had no hesitation in turning to Franks who also captains Flatts cricket club.

"The fact Thompson has selected me for his squad shows that I'm capable of doing the job," said Franks.

"I don't know about me being the sole person to end the so-called defensive crisis because we have a lot of good defenders on the Island. I'll just try and do my job.

"Thompson is a top coach and knows what he's doing. He has support and backing which is important, so the programme is definitely going in the right direction with him in charge."

There is also the possibility that Franks could team up with Cougars colleague Darius Cox to form what was the stingiest central defensive partnership in the Premier Division last season.

Not even the likes of Shakir and Richards could match their water-tight record and their understanding could be very beneficial, according to Franks.

"It is always nice to play with someone you are familiar with," he said. "It should be a good partnership as we already have the communication down between the two of us. If I bring my 'A-game' I shouldn't have a problem.

"Everybody is excited about the prospect of playing in Cayman Islands. We have expectations of qualifying out of the group. This is our main goal."

Thompson said Franks was a player he had always rated highly and has challenged him to cement a permanent place in the Bermuda back-line.

"Kijuan has been brought in and he is a player I rate very highly," he said.

"He was in my team against Canada a couple of years ago and this is a chance for him to go and become a consistent performer for the senior national team."