(Streaker) Adams is about to return to action and prove that he's anything but "washed up.'' The 23-year-old, who skippered Bermuda's Under-23 team in the Pan-Am Games in March, 1995, and who was the regular 'keeper during the World Cup campaign in 1992, has been regularly taunted by both friends and foes about being `over the hill'. But he's determined to silence his critics.

The leg injury has limited him to just three appearances with North Village this season, the last being a Friendship Trophy fixture back in November. But he says he's now ready to return.

"I'm always being teased about being washed up, but I firmly believe that I am not finished at 23. Goalkeepers go on performing at high levels well into their 40s,'' said Adams, who is the country's most experienced international goalkeeper.

The Village player got a recent boost when he was chosen for the Bermuda senior national squad of 31, preparing for the Shell/Umbro Cup in Jamaica next month.

And he makes it clear that he intends to be in North Village's squad for Sunday's First Division match against PHC at PHC Stadium.

"The knee injury hasn't healed completely, but although I am not fully recovered I am looking forward to putting it through some intense tests during the next few weeks,'' said Adams.

"Nobody is going to convince me that I'm finished. I don't want to hear it, though it's hard to stop the taunts. My inactivity might have some people thinking that I'm no longer the best goalkeeper around, but at least I feel I'm the most experienced one in the squad.'' In his battle for a place in the national team, Adams faces stiff competition from other stalwarts such as Timmy Figureido of Vasco and Troy Hall of Devonshire Colts.