Bermuda new-boy Tumani Steede believes he was destined to retread his father's footballing path and represent his country, declaring: "I always knew this day would come."

As the son of the esteemed Cyril "Dago" Steede, and cousin of former national captain Kwame, the attacking midfielder has had no shortage of mentors to guide him during his young career.

The amiable 18-year-old admits the burden of expectancy has rested heavy on his shoulders at times, but reckons he is now ready to write a new chapter in the Steede family story.

"My dad pushes me every day and still trains me," said Steede who plays for Cyril's old club Devonshire Cougars.

"They say he was one of the best footballers in Bermuda and now his son must follow in his name.

"I never saw him play properly but I've seen him having a kick about and he's still got it.

"My dad played for Bermuda but he couldn't go away because he had dreads.

"Now he wants me to go out there and get the things he couldn't get."

He added: "I've also spoken to Kwame and he told me to do good and stay focused."

"Sometimes I feel the pressure because I know what my dad achieved but I'll get there too one day - I always knew the call-up would come.

Steede, who caught the eye during last month's Under-20 World Cup qualifiers, heads to Miami tomorrow with the national team to prepare for next week's Digicel Caribbean Cup in Cayman Islands.

He insists he is not merely viewing the trip as another lesson in his football education and will be striving to cement a starting berth.

"I'm looking to get in the team, no doubt about it," Steede said. "I've got the experience, I've been to Europe, I've been all over. After the Under-20 World Cup qualifiers Kenny Thomspon asked me to come along to the national team and I was very happy.

"He always said I'd play for Bermuda if I worked hard."

Bermuda coach Thompson said surprise selections, Steede and fellow newcomer Roger Lee, represented the new cycle of talent coming off Bermuda's production line.

"They are two good players and have a lot of potential," said Thompson. "Technically they're sound and of course they need a bit of experience.

"They can definitely make an impact because they're both high performance players.

"For me this is the beginning of a new cycle. Obviously we're looking to continue with the nucleus of players from our World Cup qualifiers, but it's important to blood some youngsters."