Coach Kenny Thompson hopes the Bermuda public will not to rush to judge him on the basis of the national soccer team's matches with Barbados.

Thompson takes charge of the squad for the first time in a competitive situation when Bermuda take on the Bajans on Boxing Day and again on New Year's Day. The latter match will be for the prestigious Dudley Eve Trophy.

The coach says his main focus is the World Cup qualifiers early next year and, as such, while seeking a win and wanting to entertain the spectators, the performance and not necessarily the results is the most important factor.

"The reality is that the expectations are always there to win and to play well and the footballing public, whether here or in other parts of the world, do not listen to the argument 'give us time as coaches'," said Thompson. "Ideally, that would be the situation, but I am under no illusions as to what the reality is. Having said that, I do not feel pressure to stray away from what's in the best interest of the team for the future. As coaches and administrators it's always important for us to keep our eye on the future, it's just the fans whose expectations must be met immediately."

Thompson has the vast majority of his training squad fit and ready to play, however, injury has ruled out several players.

"Carlos Smith is nursing an injury at the moment," he said. "I hope to speak to him to see how he is getting along. I spoke to him on Sunday and it felt better than it had the day before. It seems to be getting better. I would not risk Carlos or any other player and we certainly don't have to. Unless he has healed fully he will have a little more time to do so.

"Obviously he has some upcoming commitments with his club (Dandy Town) and the most important commitment for us is the World Cup."

Other players to miss out are Clevon Hill and Jemeiko Jennings who are also recovering from knocks.

Thompson speaks highly of Barbados and believes they will provide a tough test for his charges.

"I am very pleased for us to have the opportunity to gain some international experience for the players prior to the World Cup," he said. "I expect Barbados to be a formidable opponent. A victory against Jamaica and draws against Finland and Martinique speaks a little bit as to the possibility of their level and we expect two very difficult matches.

"They are two important matches for us to gauge where we are as a team (and will) provide the players with the opportunity for the learning curve to take place, however steep it is. We will then be in a better position come World Cup time."

Thompson would not divulge his tactics for the two games, wanting to treat the matches as seriously as those against Montserrat early next year.

"I won't speak about the formation because it is important to keep some things secret from the opponent, to keep them guessing right up until kick-off," he said. "I don't know anything about their formation and I don't want them planning in advance for our formation.

"We will try to win both matches, but at the same time these being preparation matches, it's important that we find a balance between going for victory and also getting all of the players, if possible, on the pitch for exposure and provide us with a gauge of where we are. It's something of a balancing act, but we will not go away from our responsibility of trying to win the matches."

It will undoubtedly be a proud moment for Thompson, a former national team player and a coach of the Under-17 national team, when he walks out at the National Sports Centre as boss of the senior squad.

"As a coach it's important that we strive to work at the highest level possible," he said. "And for us, coaching at international level, is as high as we can go in Bermuda. I am pleased to be given the opportunity and I look forward to the support of Bermuda as we head into our international battles."

Bermuda squad: (Goalkeepers) Dwayne Adams (captain), Southampton; Nigel Burgess, Hamilton Parish; Troy Hall (St. George's); (Defenders) Kentoine Jennings (North Village); David Thomas (North Village); Stanton Lewis (Boulevard); Musceo Hunt (Somerset Eagles); Kofi Dill (North Village); Jamel Warren (Dandy Town); Robert Wilson (Boulevard); Logan Alexander (North Village); (Midfielders) Meshach Wade (Southampton); Taurean Manders (North Village/IMG Academy); Jared Peniston (Dandy Town); Jason Davis (North Village); Domico Coddington (Devonshire Rec.); Damon Ming (Somerset); (Forwards) Kwame Steede (Devonshire Cougars); Carlos Smith (Dandy Town); Tyrell Burgess (North Village/Wilbraham and Monson Academy); Khano Smith (Dandy Town); Ralph Bean (North Village); John Barry Nusum (Atlanta Silverbacks).