National team coach Kenny Thompson is urging his shot-shy attackers to shoot on sight against Barbados in tonight's friendly at the National Sports Centre (NSC).

Thompson yesterday admitted his concern over his forwards' lack of goals in recent matches and has demanded that they display more of a cutting edge in the final third of the pitch.

High-tech performance analysis system ProZone has produced statistics showing a lack of attacks being launched by Bermuda into the opposition's box. It is a worrying trait that Thompson is working hard to rectify on the training field.

"I think sometimes we're reluctant to have a go in the attacking third and often play a little too safe," he said. "We need to shoot when we get the opportunity.

"Sometimes we build up for build-up's sake and need to get the ball from the back third into the front men quickly through the midfield, while still staying composed.

"ProZone statistics show we make a lot of passes in our third of the pitch and you're not going to hurt teams doing that. I think we have a lack of self-confidence in the final third and need to start taking more chances. That's something we've been working on in training."

Each player in the 25-man squad for the Barbados matches will be given a run-out during the double-header - the second match is planned for Monday - and Thompson said the team were fully focused on beating the Bajans to create a "winning mentality" ahead of their World Cup clash against Trinidad.

"I think we will do very well against Barbados. These are preparation matches but we're taking them very seriously," said Thompson.

"We watched a DVD of their match against Trinidad recently and it gave us a rough idea of what to expect. I believe they will be missing a few of their English-based players. Obviously it's important to create a winning mentality."

Earlier this week The Royal Gazette revealed that esteemed coach Gary Darrell had returned to the national team set-up as a technical advisor, while ex-North Village midfielder Richard Todd had been appointed as assistant coach.

Thompson said he was delighted to have completed his backroom manoeuverings and believed both coaches would be valuable assets over the coming weeks.

"Derek was interested in bringing in Gary Darrell as a technical advisor based on his experience from previous World Cup campaigns," said Thompson. "I was delighted to speak with Gary and I'm very pleased he is onboard.

"Gary will provide me with his observations from our training sessions and matches. We would also like him hooked up to the technical bench area from his seat up in the stands. He will provide another set of eyes.

"With regards to Richard, I've known him for a very long time. I spoke with him last week about the possibility (of him becoming assistant coach) and he was at the training ground within an hour ¿ that's the kind of commitment we're looking for.

"We share a lot the same ideas on football. He has jumped right in and been a tremendous help in the three sessions he has been involved in. The players have responded very well to him."

Bermuda face Barbados tonight at the NSC at 7.30 p.m.