Under-19 skipper Terryn Fray has backed Bermuda to repeat their championship performance of two years ago and progress to the second stage of World Cup qualifiers.

Bermuda travel to Toronto, Canada, next month looking to start the long road back to the Under-19 World Cup, in which they competed in Malaysia last year.

While the general nucleus of the squad from the 2007 side that qualified has remained, younger players like Joshua Gilbert, Kamau Leverock, Kevon Fubler and Pierre Smithhave also been given the nod to make the trek to North America.

"Our main expectation of the tournament is to qualify," said Fray. "We're looking to do everything right, we've been working on our game in preparation for the tournament.

"The team we had last year was a good team, everyone was gelling and enjoying each other's company.

"This time around we have a much younger squad and little bit of immaturity, but we've been stressing to them that it's time to step up and take the bull by the horns and play cricket.

"There is no reason why we can't qualify this time around, we just need to put our heads down for one week in July and get the job done to advance to the next stage."

One major area of concern for the side will be their ability to occupy the crease, an issue that has been worked on in training in recent weeks.

With the batting ability of Chris Douglas, Regino Smith, Deunte Darrell and Fray himself, the squad won't be lacking on match-winners.

Their weaknesses have come to the fore in their matches in the Premier Division, and Fray was quick to point out the advantages his side have in playing in the top flight in preparation for their journey.

Mere weeks away from the biggest tournament in some of the young players' fledgling careers, the skipper sees the potential in the side and the ability of all members of his squad.

"Hopefully when we get to the tournament we can have everything flowing naturally," said Fray.

"We will be looking to score 200 plus runs every time we go out to the wicket and bowling teams out cheaply.

"It has been a good experience having us play in the Premier League this year. I played for Bailey's Bay last year and we dominated so we have had experience on the bigger stage.

"We are taking a strong team with us, although we still have a few kinks to work out.

"Our batting can get better but with the likes of Chris Douglas who just scored runs over the weekend, myself who scored a century against Somerset, Jordan DeSilva and Kevon Fubler who are two excellent bowlers and Regino Smith who has also scored runs already, there is potential, we just need to make it come together."