Nahki Wells should be applauded for his patriotism ahead of Bermuda’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad and Guyana.

That’s the opinion of West Ham legend Clyde Best who firmly advocates “country should always come first” before personal glory.

In the lead up to Bermuda’s World Cup qualifiers many argued Wells should remain focused on his professional career with English League Two side Bradford City rather than represent his country.

But the 21-year-old striker has long expressed a desire to be a part of Bermuda’s campaign even after scoring in the Bantams’ 4-2 league win against Barnet last weekend to enhance his chances of earning a potential starting role in caretaker boss Colin Cooper’s squad.

It is this unselfish approach that has earned the praise of Best who hopes others will take a leaf out of Wells’ book and make national duty a bigger priority in years to come.

“I do applaud him for playing and I think it’s a good thing,” Best said. “That’s the right thing to do and I would have done the same thing. Whenever Bermuda called for me to play I always played. But how many players you know who have refused to play for their country?”

Given the task at hand, Best said it is paramount for Bermuda to have its best players available. “You need your best players and Nahki is one of our better players right now,” he said. “Country always has to come first.”

On the eve of Bermuda’s opening World Cup qualifier with hosts Trinidad in Port of Spain today, Wells said he hopes to makes his presence felt on the pitch to help the team’s cause.

“Hopefully I can get some minutes and score a goal or two,” he said.

Wells officially opened his Bradford scoring account when he netted in the 90th minute against Barnet at Coral Windows Stadium after coming on as a late sub. He also hit the woodwork minutes later to be denied what would’ve been a memorable brace.