The introduction of several leading overseas players to the English Premier League this season shouldn't hamper Bermudians Kyle Lightbourne and Shawn Goater in their quest for top flight soccer.

But their hopes of being snapped up by a top club still rest on their ability to score goals in the English Second Division. That, at least, is the opinion of Lightbourne, Goater and their UK agent Mark Georgevic.

With many of the world's international stars now playing in England, and clubs restricted as to how many overseas players they can field, competition for places in the Premier League has become tougher than ever.

However, Lightbourne realises his hopes of a transfer from newly-promoted Walsall still hinges on his ability to find the net.

"We simply have to continue scoring goals, that's what counts most,'' said Lightbourne yesterday. "I don't think our chances of playing at a higher level have been hampered by the influx of international players.

"If we continue to believe in ourselves and play well we stand a good chance of advancing.'' Concurring with Lightbourne was Goater, who added that while many of the big names were pouring in from Europe, there was still a need for other role players.

"I don't believe so,'' answered Goater when asked if his chances were being hindered. "Top clubs need to have depth in the squad as well.

"It is discouraging as more and more clubs are buying top class players from Italy and the like, but they still need depth to complete the team... "I have to continue to score and at the same time improve my all round game and a little luck is also needed.'' Rumours of a possible move by Lightbourne to Premier League West Ham circulated during the summer when coach Frank Lampard visited Bermuda and expressed an interest in the lanky striker. But the fact that the Hammers eventually chose a European international to boost their line-up hasn't deterred the Bermudian.

"I was briefly disappointed, just for a moment, but not to the extent that my play was affected. I know I just have to continue to do well, then maybe something will come out of it.'' Georgevic agreed, noting that Lightbourne and Goater would remain in the spotlight if they continued to score goals.

"Both Kyle and Shawn demonstrated last season that they can score regularly in English soccer,'' said Georgevic. "Kyle scored 27 goals in the Third Division and Shawn 25 in the Second. I'd say that the influx of international players won't have any adverse affect as long as they continue to perform at a high level.

"Both have the ability to play at a higher level and I think both are destined to do so. I talk to lots of people in football circles about the two.

Their names are now well known among Premier and First Division teams who all have scouts who are sent all over to watch players like them.'' Lightbourne pointed out that every week there were rumours circulating in English soccer about possible transfers, even among the Second Division clubs.

But, he said: "I refuse to get excited about any transfer news these days -- not until something definite happens. You hear these rumours all of the time, but the truth of the matter is that you might as well concentrate on your game and play the best you can because most of these rumoured transfers never come off.'' During Saturday's draw with Bristol Rovers, Lightbourne didn't score but reckoned it was his best performance of the young season with one of his shots just going wide of the post.

According to Georgevic, Premier Division clubs are currently setting their sights on overseas internationals because they have become cheaper than home-grown players in the English Premier and First Division. Clubs are prepared to take a risk by paying around 400,000 for lesser known internationals rather than six to eight million pounds for the top Premier players.

"These clubs know that buying within their own divisions, the prices are much higher. Money is a very important factor in the English game at the moment and clubs are always looking for bargains. If players like Kyle and Shawn continue to score at the rate of last season there is no reason at all why a Premier or First Division team shouldn't come in for them,'' he explained.

"Both players have achieved a lot here already. Kyle has only been here for three to four years and is older than Shawn. He was given a free transfer from Scarborough and must have felt it could have been the end for him. But he buckled down and is an obvious fighter to go on and do so well.

"Shawn has been here for six to seven years, going from United to Rotherham.

I have no doubt that he can go up to another division.'' Kyle Lightbourne Shawn Goater