More of the Island's young soccer talent could be heading to England if Tokia Russell and Steve Astwood distinguish themselves at Preston.

That is the view of London-based sports agent Barry McIntosh, who helped the two national team players earn an invitation for trials starting this week at the First Division club.

McIntosh said yesterday he would be able to find more young Bermudians clubs to go to -- provided Russell and Astwood gave a good account of themselves, off as well as on the field.

"Clubs know about Clyde Best, Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne, but they want to know what talent is in Bermuda now,'' said McIntosh.

"These guys (Russell and Astwood) have a big role to play beyond football. I will let them know it as soon as they get off the plane. They will be ambassadors for their country.

"Whatever they do will effect future youth coming through from Bermuda. Even if they do not match up to expectations on the field, what they do off the field will be important.'' Mark Trott, head coach of the under-23 national team, had been working on finding the pair an opportunity in England and McIntosh, who runs Premier Sports and Entertainments Ltd., became involved after a call from his friend Clyde Best.

"I was speaking to Clyde, who I have known for a little while, and he was telling me about the talent available in Bermuda,'' said McIntosh.

"Having been in the UK, I knew about Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne, so I knew there was pedigree. Clyde played about 200 games for West Ham, so he should know the capabilities of these guys.

"Normally I would want to travel to see the players myself, but who am I to question Clyde Best? Based on his advice, I was prepared to take a risk and contact a few clubs.'' McIntosh said he sent out faxes to more than 40 clubs, mostly in England, but also in Scotland, Spain and Italy, alerting them to the availability of Russell and Astwood.

Preston replied in writing, offering the pair a trial and other clubs including Watford, Luton, QPR and Fulham showed some interest.

It had been difficult to contact many managers and chief scouts in recent weeks, McIntosh added, because many had been either attending the Euro 2000 tournament, which finished on Sunday in the Netherlands, or on holiday. "Just because they are going to Preston does not mean they will end up with that club,'' said McIntosh. "What these guys need is a stage. They will play in Scotland in pre-season games and may attract interest from some clubs up there, for example.

"But if Preston are interested in doing something, then they have my word that they will get first chance.'' McIntosh's company concentrates on finding opportunities for talented sports people from small countries, from where he believed "a lot of talent had gone astray'' in the past.

Although not a FIFA-registered soccer agent himself, McIntosh brings in such agents to negotiate deals when players reach the stage of being offered a contract.

Bermudian soccer players faced tough criteria for a work permit, he added.

"Players from countries outside the European Union need to have played in 75 percent of full internationals over the past two years,'' said McIntosh.

"It is a Catch 22 situation. Most clubs are looking for younger players, but most national teams are playing older players. So the criteria are difficult for them to meet.

"And to be honest, it is particularly unfair in the case of Bermuda, which as a UK dependent territory, you would think would be treated as an extension of England.'' Russell and Astwood flew to England on Tuesday and they were due to start pre-season training with Preston this morning.

Tokia Russell: big opportunity.