Derek Broadley has challenged Bermuda's Under-23 players to prove they can hold their own against the region's powerhouses – starting with this month's double header against Trinidad.

Bermuda Football Association's technical director wants the friendly games to act as a springboard for next year's CAC Games and Pan-Am Games qualifiers when they are sure to run into countries just as dangerous as the Soca Warriors.

Preparations for the future international competitions started last summer when the Under-23s played six matches against professional teams from the USL-D2 as part of an agreement with Bermuda Hogges.

Those "low key" games served as a useful stepping stone, according to Broadley, who believes the Trinidad matches will offer a truer reflection of where the Under-23s are in their evolution.

"Following the work we did over the summer with the Under-23 group this is a nice little reward/test for them," Broadley said. "It will show us where we are compared to our Caribbean neighbours, who we will face in the up and coming CAC Games and Pan-Am Games.

"Playing the US teams was a great stepping stone for us but this will give us a good gauge of where we are. Most of the boys who will be playing will be the same boys who played over the summer, so it will be interesting to see how much they have retained."

Despite losing five out of their six matches against USL-D2 opponents, results steadily improved for Scott Morton's side who signed off with a promising 2-0 win over Charlotte Eagles. And Broadley is now relishing the prospect of seeing the same of crop of players compete on the more intense international stage.

"There's always extra bite in country v country games," said Broadley. "But although those games against the USL-D2 team were lower key they were still competitive.

"I'm sure our players will be roused for these games. I'm very keen as this will be my first big game outside the World Cup and Digicel Cup, which I was sort of thrust into.

"We've been able to plan and prepare properly for these games and they will give us a proper insight to where we are at."

Broadley said they were still sweating on the availability of Reggie Lambe with his club, Ipswich Town, yet to give him permission to play, while Tyrell Burgess was unlikely to feature with the winger looking for a new club after being released by Vancouver Whitecaps.

"We're made an approach for Reggie but when you're dealing with overseas players you have to look out for what's best for the individual," Broadley said. "These are big games but they are friendly games and as much as I want the best team available it's important for Reggie to try and secure another professional contract.

"Tyrell has been let go by Vancouver and his priority is to try and secure a new club somewhere."

The Soca Warriors take on Scott Morton's Bermuda Under-23s on Monday, December 28 and on New Year's Day for the inaugural BFA International Cup. They also face Devonshire Cougars on Wednesday, December 30. All games will be played at the National Sports Centre.

"It would be nice to have a lot of support for us," added Broadley. "Part of the preparation of playing in big games is to experience big crowds. I'm not sure if we can replicate the World Cup hysteria but it would be great to see a few thousand supporters at the National Sports Centre."

Bermuda Under-23 squad: Freddy Hall, Tahj Bell, Antonio Lowe, Devrae Tankard, Ryan Purnell, Reiko Trott, Marquel Waldron, David Signor, Darius Cox, Seion Darrell, Randy Robinson, Shane Hollis, Angelo Simmons, Jason Davis, Takeyhi Walker, Roger Lee, Shakir Smith, Keishan Bean, Antwan Russell, Nahki Wells, Aquino Grant, Cecoy Robinson, Shaun Brown, Ajani Gibbons, Reggie Lowe, Micah Clemas. The 26-man squad will be trimmed to 20 players.