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Mystery over Bean's omission from squad

Photo by Mark Tatem ¬ Bermuda

Mystery surrounds Keishen Bean’s immediate international future after the midfielder admitted he was unlikely to play any part in Bermuda’s World Cup qualifying campaign.Bean yesterday expressed his disappointment at missing the opening qualifiers against Trinidad and Guyana, but declined to expand on the reasons why he was not included in the national team’s 22-man squad.He also ruled out speculation that his surprise omission was purely down to educational commitments at his college, Cape Breton, in Canada.“It’s not looking like I will be part of the (Bermuda) set-up,” said Bean. “It’s not that I don’t want to, but there are other reasons which I don’t want to go into. There are other reasons besides school commitments why I wasn’t there.”The 24-year-old insisted he still harboured hopes of playing in the qualifiers but fully expected to sit out the remainder of the campaign.“It’s sad because I sincerely believe I can help the team out in attack,” he said. “I hope somehow things can work out because I’ve tried my hardest to be a part (of the qualifiers), but for now there’s a likelihood I will sit this one out.”As one of the Island’s most experienced players, Bean had been earmarked for a key role in Bermuda’s qualifying push having finished as top scorer for Bermuda Hogges last season.His record of eight goals in 16 matches, made all the more impressive as a midfielder, was recognised by Hogges’ rival PDL coaches who voted Bean into the Eastern Conference All-Star team.The North Village man said: “I’m feeling fit and I’ve been playing some good football for my college. I feel like I’m in really good form.”Bean watched both of Bermuda’s recent matches on the Internet and reckoned they were unfortunate to leave the Caribbean empty-handed. But despite suffering back-to-back defeats, Bean still remains confident Bermuda can chalk up victories in both of their home qualifiers against Trinidad and Guyana next month.“I saw the games and Bermuda look like a quality team that can potentially become a threat in their group,” he said. “With quality players like Kwame (Steede) and Domico (Coddington) still to play in the next round I’m positive Bermuda can bounce back.“I think our players are capable of upsetting Trinidad and Guyana at the National Sports Centre.”The BFA didn’t respond for a request to comment by The Royal Gazette.n Bermuda international Nahki Wells came on as an 81st minute substitute in Bradford City’s 3-2 defeat at Port Vale in League Two action last night.Meanwhile, national team goalkeeper Freddy Hall was an unused substitute in Northampton Town’s 3-0 win at AFC Wimbledon.