Three young Island soccer players may miss out on the chance to play professionally in England -- because Bermuda is not one of the top 70 countries in FIFA's world rankings.

Steve Astwood, Tokia Russell and Tommy Carter have all impressed English league clubs to the point of receiving contract offers.

But the Island's lowly world ranking may prevent them from getting a work permit and so deny them the chance to pursue their pro dream.

Agent Barry McIntosh, who has helped organise the trials for the youngsters, explained they would need to apply to the UK Department of Employment for a work permit.

One of the criteria is that they should have played in 75 percent of Bermuda's full international matches over the past two years.

But McIntosh said an additional condition deemed that their country must be in the top 70 of the world rankings published by soccer's world governing body FIFA. Bermuda are currently ranked 147th.

McIntosh felt it was unjust that the regulations, which he thought had been toughened up in response to a growing number of foreign players in English soccer, applied to Bermuda, with its status as a UK-dependent territory.

"There are offers, but frankly they mean nothing without the paperwork which will allow them to play,'' said McIntosh.

He added that it was ridiculous that if a player as good as Pele emerged from Bermuda, he would not be able to play in England.

"If Wales did not happen to be in the UK, then Ryan Giggs would not be allowed to play for Manchester United because Wales are outside the top 70,'' said McIntosh. "Are they saying he's not good enough?'' "What is the point of being a UK territory if Bermuda's footballers are not allowed to play in England? Bermuda might as well be independent in that case.

"We need some kind of diplomatic approach from the Government of Bermuda to the UK Government to try and give these players a chance.'' There appear to be exceptions to the rule. Last week, Manchester City signed former World Player of the Year, George Weah, on a free transfer from AC Milan.

Weah comes from Liberia, an African country ranked 112 in the world.

Astwood is training with First Division Preston North End where he was joined last week by national team strike partner Rohaan Simons.

Carter has caught the eye of Ricky Hill, manager of Second Division Luton Town, while Russell has attracted interest from First Division Watford.

McIntosh compared the UK-Bermuda relationship to that of Surinam and the Netherlands.

"Surinam is a Dutch territory, but in that case there is acceptance by the mother country,'' said McIntosh. "Otherwise a lot of great players in the Dutch national team like (Patrick) Kluivert and (Edgar) Davids would never have had their chance.'' The likes of Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne, and Clyde Best before them, were able to establish themselves in the English game when the regulations were not so tight, added McIntosh.

Tokia Russell: impressed at First Division Watford.