Bermuda coach Michael Findlay is this weekend expected to make a final decision on the squad for the Gold Cup preliminary fixtures with Honduras.

The two teams clash at Flora Duffy Stadium on March 21 and four days later at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés, with the winner on aggregate to qualify for the group stage of the Gold Cup.

“Final selections are being made this weekend, the team will be officially announced on March 11, but before that, we’ll know who’s fit and ready to be selected,“ Findlay said.

The coach used the domestic camp, which saw Bermuda Select Invitational play against Maine Hearts of Pine and Rhode Island, to decide on players that could step in if the regulars are not available.

“What we've done over the last couple of days is looking at the squad, identifying our key player group and who’s going to push against that key player group,’’ he said.

“We've seen a couple of players who if they address their physical conditioning and consistency, and committing to that lifestyle, they could play a role.

“Whether that is in March or not, because that’s a very specific challenge for us, we’re going to be playing in a very specific way and we have to be patient. We have to be spoilers and difficult to play against, and that’s going to demand certain players.

“The good news is that we've seen a couple of players that will probably participate in the coming months, maybe not March but June when we play the third and fourth game of World Cup qualifying.”

With doubts over the availability of experienced defender Danté Leverock, who is undergoing treatment for a lower leg injury, opportunities were given to Jorj Dublin, Daniel Cook and Julian Carpenter to prove themselves in the two matches.

“Jorj Dublin, Daniel Cook and Julian Carpenter were very impressive in being able to play within the structure we asked them to,” Findlay said.

“They were certainly the bright spots for me, Julian has been with us before, but certainly those three I think were certainly impressive.”

While looking at the positive side, the Canadian highlighted challenges with some players deciding that representing the island was not a priority.

“I’m sure the fans will talk and will be disappointed,’’ the coach added. “You have to understand that we have a plan and we’re navigating towards a destination, and that comes with situations like this.

“We were able to see players that if they address certain issues, they can be part of something. In the same token, we did see a few players who decided this wasn’t for them, players dropping out or not showing up.

“It’s not all roses and you need to weed out people who lack the mental capacity and commitment we need to grow a national team programme. I would never beg anyone to play for their country, that has to be their choice.”