Tyrell Burgess is desperate to play a part in Vancouver Whitecaps' title decider against Montreal Impact in what will be the biggest match of his career so far.

Helping the Whitecaps defend their USL-D1 championship would cap off an encouraging debut season for Burgess who insists they can overcome their one goal deficit on Saturday night at Montreal's Saputo Stadium

He came on as a late substitute in their 3-2 defeat in last weekend's first leg and is now hoping for a start in coach Teitur Thordarson's team after recovering from a knee niggle.

"It has been a great experience for me this season and to make the finals and a win would really show that it has been worth the effort," said the Bermuda international. "We lost the first leg by one goal and we're heading to Montreal for a win.

"We have a great chance of turning the tie around. They beat us at home last week and we can beat them at their home on Saturday – our team has proven that."

Burgess has played an increasingly influential role in the Whitecaps' starting eleven as the season has progressed, making an impressive 23 appearances and scoring one goal.

His knee injury prevented him from featuring in the play-off win over Portland Timbers but he has promised to be at full pelt if, and when, Thordarson calls upon him.

"I think I could be an asset to the team in attack and will hope to be used again in the second leg," said the 23-year-old. "I had a minor irritation to my knee that didn't allow me to play in the early stages of the play-offs, but I continued to train and I'm back to full health."

Burgess who was snapped up by the Whitecaps from Reading Rage earlier this year said it had been tough adjusting to the higher level. But the North Village graduate said he had been pleased with his overall form and hoped to establish himself as a permanent fixture by the time the Whitecaps move up to the MLS in 2011.

"I have had a up and down rookie year but I think that's expected when you are new to a team and a new league, the next season I can build of this one and set goals for my self to accomplish," said Burgess.

If the Whitecaps are to successfully defend their title they will have to do it without captain Martin Nash who was sent-off in the second half of the first leg.

Coach Thordarson said: "We don't have to throw all defending away and just go forward. The way we have to do it is to just be structured defensively and then use our opportunities when we get them.

"We are usually an attack-minded team. We will not give that away. We have to measure this right and be tactically clever. I think with the strategy we are approaching, we will get some good chances."