Kieron Richardson and Max Mobray, the two newest members of Bermuda’s national football squad, have settled in well during their first training camp.

The two uncapped central defenders are part of the squad preparing for the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminary round first leg against Honduras at Flora Duffy Stadium on Friday night.

Mobray impressed for Bermuda at the Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship qualifiers in St Kitts & Nevis at the beginning of last year. He partnered Harry Twite in central defence in the three matches as the Gombey Warriors narrowly missed out on an automatic qualifying spot.

“It’s been great being part of the senior team and all the guys have been welcoming,” the 17-year-old told The Royal Gazette. “They've been helping me get accustomed to what it’s like being on the senior team.

“I’m really excited to get called up. I performed well for the under-20s and I now have the opportunity to play for the senior team.

“I’m looking forward to playing against Honduras at the highest level. It’s really exciting to play in a game like this as they’re a talented team and have guys playing in top leagues around the world.

“I know they’re going to be very technical and aggressive. They’re not going to show any mercy and neither should we, so we have to come out set the tone”

Mobray, who plays for TSF Academy in the MLS Next, a youth soccer league in the United States and Canada that is managed, organised, and controlled by Major League Soccer, believes he has what it takes to stop the Honduras strikers.

“I would say my ruthlessness and my aggression are unmatched,” the defender said.

“Despite being very young, I can still put up a good fight against all the players that have that type of technicality. When they do come out with aggression, I’ll be there to face them.

“Playing for the under-20s prepared me for what to expect at the international level. That was the first time playing for the under-20s and I learnt a lot from my centre-back partner Harry Twite.

“He taught me a lot and I’m bringing all those values and experiences to the senior team, which I hope to use against Honduras. With what I bring to the game, I fit really well into the international level.

“Playing against Honduras would mean a lot to me. That would be monumental for my career. I grew up watching teams like Honduras, so going from watching them to playing against them means a lot.”

Richardson, who never represented the island at youth level, has enjoyed his first few days as a Bermuda senior team player.

“Everyone’s been nice, welcoming and making it easier for me to settle in,” the 20-year-old said.

Richardson, who played for Somerset Trojans in the Under-23 Summer League last year, spoke highly of his abilities to counter the threat posed by Honduras.

“I’m quite physical, good in the air and also comfortable on the ball, so I’m excited and it’s going to be a good experience playing against Honduras.”

Eusebio Blankendal has also been instrumental in Dandy Town fighting for honours this season. The 26-year-old has been part of a solid defence for Kyle Lightbourne’s side and is deployed at right back.

On his return to the international scene, there is a chance that Blankendal will be deployed as a defensive midfielder. During the domestic camp last month, the hard man played as a pivot against Maine Hearts of Pine and Rhode Island.

“I played in midfield when I was younger,” the former Bermuda captain said.

“One of my coaches put me in at full back, so ever since then I’ve played in defence.”

Blankendal missed Bermuda’s only appearance at the Gold Cup in 2019, as he only broke into the team later that year.

“If we stick as a unit, defend as a team, then we’ll do great,’’ he said.

“I feel like the type of game they play and the type of strengths we have, we should limit them from making us vulnerable.

“I’m going to work hard and make sure that I put in maximum effort, regardless of which position I’m playing.”