crossed that plans to stage two World Cup warm-up matches against Puerto Rico would come to fruition.

Conscious of how the two previous warm-up games against Jamaica helped Bermuda in the home leg of the first-round qualifier against Haiti, Darrell feels that further match practice against international opponents can only be of benefit.

Puerto Rico, who want to visit Bermuda as a warmup for their World Cup qualifying second-leg tie against Santo Domingo, originally asked to come here on an all-expenses paid basis, but the Bermuda Football Association told them they could pick up the tour side's "internal expenses'' only.

Last night, Puerto Rico were considering the BFA's offer. If they accept, the tour is likely to be arranged for the middle of this month, just over a week before Bermuda leave for their return game with Haiti.

The BFA is not overly hopeful of a positive response, bearing in mind the financial implications for the Caribbean island. They doubt whether Puerto Rico will be able to afford the airfare to Bermuda.

If the tour does materialise, however, Darrell hopes it can be arranged before the middle of the month to give the Bermuda squad at least a 10-day breathing space before departing for Haiti on May 22.

The two games in Jamaica were ideal for Bermuda's preparation as they were scheduled two weeks prior to the first-leg qualifier against Haiti.

"With the Jamaica tour being so beneficial naturally we would be pleased to play any other international matches that can be arranged, but the important thing here would be to have any games played well before the Haiti game to allow players to recover from any injuries,'' said Darrell.

"I'm certain everybody associated with the team would welcome competition against a team like Puerto Rico or any other country. It will be to our advantage to leave for Haiti following a competitive game.'' The manager said he expected Bermuda to be at full strength by the time they leave for Haiti.

He anticipates that Kentoine Jennings will soon be fully recovered from his knock and has been told by the squad's trainer that Sammy Swan is progressing well after a clash against Haiti that led to him being substituted.

Darrell said, however, that defender Dennis Brown's situation remained uncertain and that he hoped to be updated on his progress in a day or two.

Three top soccer referees will be leaving Bermuda on Friday for Indianapolis where they will officiate officiate in the Olympic qualifying second-leg tie between United States and Canada.

FIFA-listed Rex Osborne and Esten Curtis along with second-class Roddy Burchall have been given the FIFA assignments for the fixture. Osborne will be the man in the middle while the other two will act as linesmen.

For Curtis it will be the second FIFA appointment in less than a month. His last assignment was three weeks ago when he refereed a CONCACAF Champion of Champion tie in Dallas, Texas between the Dallas Rockets and Surinam.

The trio were in Haiti last year on a similar FIFA assignment.