Reggie Lambe is encouraged by efforts being made to “take Bermuda to the next level” and believes Nahki Wells’s availability will be huge for the team in their Concacaf Nations League qualifiers.

Bermuda start their campaign away to Aruba on September 9 and Lambe, the team’s captain, believes regular international football will help accelerate the development of the island’s game.

“I’m excited to get the Nations League under way,” Lambe said. “It will be good for the national programme to have regular competitive games, to improve our ranking and get the best out of our players.

“The future is bright for Bermuda. The national programme is starting to become more consistent with training and matches. It shows the intent is there to take the country to the next level.”

As part of the qualifying phase Bermuda play back-to-back home matches against Saint Martin and El Salvador, in October and November, before finishing with an away tie against Dominican Republic in March.

Those games will determine the three divisions for the Nations League, which starts in September 2019, as well as the ten remaining Gold Cup spots.

Bermuda’s preparations received a boost after Wells said he planned to be available for Bermuda after the Aruba match.

Wells, who is on loan at Sky Bet Championship side Queens Park Rangers, has not played for Bermuda since a World Cup qualifier at home to Barbados in March 2015.

Lambe believes Wells’s experience and influence are just as valuable as the goal threat he brings to the team.

“I enjoy having Nahki in the side,” said the Cambridge United forward. “He allows me to have more of a free role because he gives us that extra threat up top. His presence alone brings confidence to the team and gives everyone that extra boost. He also brings experience and leadership, not to mention his ability and his instincts to turn the slightest chances into goals.

“He has been a big miss in recent games and to have him return will give us the best possible chance to do well.

“The support we get in Bermuda is outstanding, but I’m sure his return will get more people out to support us at home.”