Former national team skipper Shannon Burgess is a surprise omission from Bermuda's squad to take on Jamaica over Christmas.

While it is understood that national coach Gary Darrell is placing heavy emphasis at the Under-23 level, with just a few senior players currently involved in his immediate plans, there were those who remain baffled by Burgess' omission.

The Devonshire Colts stalwart captained the Bermuda squad in their last competitive match two years ago.

When contacted yesterday Burgess said he was aware of the situation.

"As far as I was made to understand the BFA were gearing more towards the Under-23 level in preparation for the upcoming Pan Am Games and that the senior national team will re-commence training sometime next year," he said.

With that in mind, Burgess said he did not feel hard done by and said that he still looked forward to representing his country in the not so distant future.

Coach Darrell, said the player, while not turning out for Bermuda over the festive period, would still play a significant role in time.

"He's not been dismissed completely because he will definitely be one of the senior players that I will call on if I need someone to come in and set the tone for training and having the right attitude," he said. "I even mentioned that to his coach (Ray Jones) who is assisting me."

Darrell also reiterated the fact that changes could still be made to the initial squad, therefore, not totally ruling Burgess out from receiving an 11th hour call-up.

"With these two (Premier Division) make-up matches that still have to be played (last night's game and Sunday's PHC and North Village clash) someone in the squad could be injured and if I'm forced to find someone else to fill that position then he will definitely top the list," said Darrell.

Former Bermuda Football Association technical director, Clyde Best who previously coached Burgess at the senior national level said Darrell was "probably building towards the next World Cup, so he's doing what he thinks is best".

"If you appoint someone to do a job then it's best to leave them alone and let them do what is required and wish them the best of luck," Best said.

"It's not an easy job because everyone thinks that someone else should be in there and if we are going to groom then we have to start somewhere."

A Bermuda Under-23 select will play against the visiting Jamaicans on December 26 and January 1 at the National Sports Centre, while the BFA Premier Division leaders at the mid-season break, who ironically could be Burgess' Colts, will be pitted against the visiting "Reggae Boyz" on December 29.

Assisting coach Darrell are former Wolves coach Dennis Brown and Colts coach Jones - a recent recipient of a UEFA B coaching licence.