His shots have hit the net more times than anyone else in local football for the past three seasons and top striker Raymond Beach is aching to do the same internationally.

Finally breaking his silence on the widely-debated issue of his exclusion from the national squad, the Devonshire Cougars player has declared his desire to suit up for the Island.

What?s more, he firmly believes he can be an asset to Bermuda?s ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign.

?I want to play for my country. There?s nothing else I want to do but it?s up to the coach. I don?t have anything against the coach or the team. I wish them the best but I think they need the top scorer.

?I?m ready any time...but it?s up to him,? said the ace marksman, referring to national coach Kenny Thompson.

The 20-year-old, who usually shies away from the media, was speaking after the Bermuda Football Association?s (BFA) Prize Presentation last Saturday night at which his goal-scoring prowess was saluted for the third successive year.

His 17 league goals were unrivalled to win him the Leading Scorer (Premier Division) award once more while his stellar performances ? which sent many teams reeling to defeat last season ? also earned him the Young MVP - Male title.

Beach told that his team-mate and strike partner Heys Wolfe is also ready and eager to answer the call to senior selection. Fans have queried their absence particularly given that Bermuda has struggled to score in a series of home-and-away friendlies this year.

Beach said he and Wolfe discussed the matter with Thompson after not initially responding to an invitation to attend national training and they understand the coach?s position that they must now wait until being summoned again.

?He said he doesn?t need us at this time and it?s nothing against us. I have no problem (with that). I respect him as a coach,? said Beach, adding that he is keeping in shape just in case Thompson gives him the nod.

Reflecting on his personal success, the scoring king admitted his celebration was dampened by the fact that Cougars failed to secure any silverware despite excelling in several major competitions.

?It feels good to score goals and win prizes but when you don?t win the league or anything then you don?t feel right,? he noted, adding that Cougars will be aiming to rectify that in the coming season.

The deadliest man in front of goal said his on-field motivation comes from wanting to entertain fans, particularly children, and he is hoping to be among the young stars who spur a rebirth of keen interest in the national sport.

?The main thing is to get football back to the heights where people want to come out and enjoy the matches.?

Beach thanked his parents, Raymond and Cheryl, for their support and Cougars coach Albert Smith for having a vital role in his development.

?He has also been instrumental to the things that are happening out at the Rec,? he said of the Coach of the Year nominee.