Willie Clemons and Enrique Russell, who were recalled to the Bermuda side for the Nations League qualifiers against Antigua & Barbuda and Dominican Republic, are glad to be back.

Clemons, the Felixstowe & Walton United midfielder, who plays in the North Division of England’s Isthmian League, was last part of the Bermuda team in June 2022, while Russell, a PHC striker is making his return following a six month absence.

The 29-year-old Clemons just returned to action after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Following surgery in October last year, Clemons switched from Braintree Town, another English non-league club, a month ago.

Once he was fit, Clemons, with 31 appearances and three goals for Bermuda, got in touch with coach Michael Findlay to share the good news.

“It feels really good to be back,’’ Clemons told The Royal Gazette.

“I last played for the national team in June 2022, then I picked up the injury in January 2023.

“I returned to action this pre-season around May, that’s when I started training. I've played some games for Felixstowe & Walton United this season.

“I reached out to the coach when I was fully back from injury. I made it known that I was back, and wanted to be involved again with the national team. When the selection window came around this time, I received a call-up and I accepted.”

The midfielder is aiming for big things on his return and is impressed with what he seen in the new-look national side under Findlay.

“I think this group has a lot of quality and we’re in a great position,’’ he said. “We should start getting some results in the group that we’re in. I think we have what it takes to win the group and go to the Concacaf Gold Cup.

“We just need to execute and I think that’s what we've been lacking a bit lately. I’m just excited to be a part of it and see what I can do to help us get over the line.

“It’s been positive, there’s a really positive environment in camp. There’s a great vibe within the group.”

Clemons shared his thoughts on two matches, Saturday’s clash with Dominican Republic, as well as Tuesday’s fixture against Antigua & Barbuda.

“I think our chance are very good,’’ he added. “I haven't seen Dominican since 2019, but they were a decent side then. I expect that they’ll be a decent side again this time, so we’ll have to put together a performance.

“As far as the Antigua game goes, we’ll go one game at a time. We know that we underperformed in the last meeting against them, so we want to put that right.

“We have to showcase the quality that we have. I think both matches are winnable, we need to look at them as should-wins, rather than could-wins.

“If we do the right things on the day, then we will win them.”

Russell is back to add to the seven caps he earned under Kyle Lightbourne.

The 24-year-old, who has scored once for Bermuda, is employed by the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services, and this has seen him prioritising saving lives and property on the island, while putting his international football career on hold.

Being able to make some arrangements at work to travel has seen the son of Tokia, the late former Bermuda defender, being able to represent the island again.

“This is my first time playing under new management,’’ he said. “Hopefully, I get in the side and stay in the side, that’s the main goal, I want to be in this team more often.

“Last year, for coach Findlay’s first game in charge, I was called up but I had some work commitments, so I couldn’t attend last year’s window.

“This year, I’m more able to travel. It feels good to be in the side, hopefully, I get to stay and I get to score, and we get to win, those are the three main objectives.

“The coach contacted me prior to leaving, asking about my availability; I said I’m available.

“I just had to make some quick arrangements for work, but I made it happen and I’m here with the team. I’m looking forward to playing on Saturday, and again on Tuesday.”

Before heading off to join the national team on Monday, the PHC forward was one of the scorers in his side 6-0 victory over St George’s, in the Charity Cup on Sunday.

He described the environment in the Bermuda camp in the few days he has been training with his team-mates.

“I see the difference in professionalism,’’ he added. ”I think that’s the biggest change from the management.

“It’s the whole different standard of expectations. The little detail matters, I think it’s going to be a great time under the new coach.

“I think we have a bright future, especially with a lot of young guys and a lot of players who can make an impact.”