Bermuda's Olympic soccer team enjoyed an unexpected bonus on their successful tour of Florida -- they unearthed two new players.

Thomas Carter and Calvin Ball, both Bermuda born, left for the United States at a young age and were spotted playing for Florida's Old Dominion College by David Thomas, one of the under-23 squad now studying there.

Bermuda Football Association's technical director Clyde Best said from the squad's training base in Orlando yesterday: "David Thomas told me about the two boys, so we thought we'd have a look at them.

"They're both excellent players and bright boys -- Carter just graduated this weekend -- and they're definitely good enough for the national squad.

"I try to put out feelers to find people like this and it's great when it happens. I will be telling (senior national team coach) Robert Calderon about them.'' The squad will fly home today with two victories and hours of hard training under their belts.

On Saturday, they defeated a Florida Select XI 4-0 and the following day triumphed 2-0 over a Haiti XI, described by Best as a tough and physical team.

The Christmas holidays freed the large number of college student players and allowed the first get-together of the full squad this year.

And Mark Trott, who coaches the team together with Dennis Brown, said he had been delighted with the results.

"For five days, these kids have been absolutely fantastic,'' said Trott. "On the first day, we wanted to start with a three-mile run at 7.00 a.m. They were all out there ready to go at 6.45 and they actually complained that the run wasn't long enough.'' Three training sessions per day and back-to-back matches had tested the squad's fitness, said Trott, and had given them a taste of how professional sportsmen work.

"Even after two matches in two days, when they were sore and hurting, they still wanted to go for their run at 7.00 a.m. They wanted to be tested and they don't think they are fit enough. Dennis (Brown) and I were in awe of them.'' Trott picked out two players who typified the attitude of the entire squad.

"Tokia Russell was captain for the tour and he was absolutely fantastic. He made sure the players were always at team meetings on time and we did not have a single complaint.

"And Jamaine Aberdeen had flu and stomach pains, but he still went running.

He refused not to do it and I didn't even know he was ill until half way through the run.

"It's been a pleasure for me working with these kids and they are really excited that Robert Calderon wants to have a good look at them with the World Cup squad in mind.

"They say they see the Olympics as a stepping stone for them and they want to play in the World Cup one day.'' Trott replied diplomatically when asked whether he would like to see Clyde Best's contract situation sorted out quickly.

Best's three-year appointment expires next Spring and BFA officials have been reluctant to comment on whether it will be renewed, even in the middle of preparations for a huge year.

"At the end of the day, the association will sit down and work it out,'' said Trott. "And I think, with the World Cup and Olympic qualifiers coming soon, they will make the best decision for the benefit of football.''