yesterday that he and the national Under-17 squad were eagerly awaiting next week's Bermuda Football Association Youth Tournament.

Lewis explained training has been hampered by the inability to house the entire team for an extended period of time, but was optimistic of the team's ability to perform well against three visiting outfits.

"I don't think we'll be as prepared as the other teams will be that are coming in, because we have guys that have other commitments outside of football and can't make every training session,'' said Lewis, who was placed in charge of the team after former national team coach Gary Darrell turned down the BFA's offer of the coaching position.

"So our training has been pretty much the same as in the past because we don't have the money to put the squad together for a period of time like a lot of the other bigger countries.'' And Bermuda will have to find ways to raise their level of play if they are to be competitive against teams from Scotland, Canada and the United States.

Lewis pointed to Glasgow Rangers as perhaps the side to watch and present the sternest test, as they are set to contain as many as five Scottish schoolboy internationals, a youth international and a reserve team player from the Premier Division club.

Lewis has tried to have his troops grasp the nuances of tactics and technique, rather than rely on natural ability many were able to get away with at club level, in order to place them in better stead while competing against what are expected to be well drilled outfits.

He also expressed concern over the team's goalkeeping position.

"Our team can do well if they decide to put their heads together and concentrate as a team -- as a unit -- and do what they've been shown and not go back to the bad habits of club-level football,'' said Lewis, who is assisted by Danvers Seymour and Mark Trott.

"These guys are the best on their (club) teams and need to realise that the guys they're going up against are just as good as they are and they will need to do the things like tracking (and) covering opponents.

"What my staff and I are trying to do is cover all the bases, because these guys haven't really been taught at their clubs about the various areas they need to perform in.'' Lewis is using the tournament as a gauge to see how the players perform in serious competition ahead of qualifying among the CONCACAF region for the Under-17 JVC Junior World Cup, in Trinidad and Tobago next month.

If successful, Bermuda would then be eligible to travel to Egypt for the finals next September.

John Barry Nusum has already been selected to captain the side, although the final cuts will not be made until this evening, trimming the squad from 21 to 18.

Other keys likely to be a part of the final roster are defenders Alali Furbert and Joey Rego, midfielder Jahmiko Jennings, while up front the likes of Kaya Darrell and Jamal Blakeney are expected to carry the scoring burden.

"There should be some good games all the way around and highly competitive,'' said Lewis of the tournament. "there are going to be some good, talented players on show.'' Bermuda's first game will be against Canada on Monday (8.30 p.m.), following the opening contest featuring USA and Rangers (6.30 p.m.). Double-headers at National stadium will follow July 16 and 17, with the final and consolation final set for July 19.