Bermuda coach Michael Findlay will have to make do without a key defender for the Concacaf Nations League fixture against Belize at Flora Duffy Stadium tonight.

Experienced central defender and former captain Danté Leverock is unavailable through suspension after picking up a booking in the 1-0 win over their Central American opponents at FFB Stadium last Friday.

Findlay is now considering his options as he prepares for the second meeting between the two countries in four days, with Jaylon Bather one of the candidates to replace Leverock.

“It’s always a concern when you lose a player like Danté with the influence he has but we are prepared to make the adjustments required,” Findlay told The Royal Gazette.

“We will look at all options with each player considered over the next 24 hours prior to making a final decision.This is why we are pleased with the continuation of expanding our depth chart in all positions for occasions such as this.”

Little separated the two countries in the previous League B group C clash, which was decided by Kane Crichlow’s deflected first-half strike, and Findlay anticipates tonight’s clash will be just as competitive.

“Belize are a challenging group because they are difficult to break down,” he said. “They are very dangerous in transition.

“Our analysis shows us that the most dangerous point of their game is when they regain the ball, especially in the central part of the pitch, and they go direct and that causes problems.

“They’re a feisty, competitive side and they fight for everything. I’ve said all along that one of the first things that we want our national team players to be are fighters first and foremost.

“I am very confident in the players’ ability technically and their opportunities to learn a deeper understanding of the tactical application, but we want fighters because that’s what Belize has. I think we matched it the other night.

“One of the things we have focused on since I have come in is to change the way we think about things when it comes to Bermudian national team football. We saw some of the challenges we have in St Vincent, where we had five minutes of chaos that cost us a result and I still believe we should have won.

“So this was a real test for these players as it relates to their mentality and the way they approached it, the fight in them, definitely showed that they have it and I was very pleased with them in their application.”

Goalkeeper Dale Eve, the Bermuda captain, says he and his fellow team-mates are looking forward to playing in front of their own fans.

“The boys are all eager to show out and perform at their peak in front of their home audience,” he said.

“Our biggest hiccup on tour was obviously the temperature [87F] and conditions. Being at home I think we can push even harder for an amazing result towards our goal of six points from these two games.”

The 28-year-old produced a solid display between the posts last time on the way to keeping a clean sheet and is confident the team can adapt to the absence of stalwart Leverock

“More than anything, collecting clean sheets is the biggest delight for the team,” he added. “Regarding the defence specifically, it’s as important as a goal to us.

“Of course not having our rock at the back is a massive inconvenience, but as our slogan states, we will adapt, remain positive and be eager to have him back in the squad as soon as possible.”

This match could prove crucial to the island’s Nations League hopes with Bermuda sitting third in the four-team group, two points adrift of leaders St Vincent and trailing second-place French Guiana only on goal difference.