better adjust to the rigorous demands of pre-season training at the English clubs where they are having trials.

And the message coming back from them is that they, and subsequently, the national programme, should benefit tremendously from their experiences.

Instead of going over to England on trials not having been active since the Bermuda football season ended in April, the six internationals -- Neil Paynter and Philip Clarke at Coventry City, Dwayne (Streaker) Adams and Shawn Smith at Crewe Alexandra and Kyle Lightbourne and Albert Smith at Scarborough -- have been on par fitness wise because of Bermuda's involvement in the World Cup qualifying rounds.

"So far we really haven't had any problems with the physical,'' said striker Clarke. "Being it's still early in pre-season there's been no technical work as yet. We've been training twice a day which consists of physical with ball work which involves five to seven players playing two touches within a small area.'' Clarke will have an even tougher task of being successful because the club has already signed a couple of strikers from other English clubs.

"Realistically my chances are probably minimal but I'm putting my best foot forward,'' a still optimistic Clarke said last night.

"I'm taking it as a learning experience. There's nothing to lose and everything to gain. I'm doing what is required in training, that's all they can ask and all I can ask.'' Both Paynter and Clarke played for Coventry against Kuwait's national team on Tuesday afternoon, Paynter playing the whole match in midfield and Clarke coming on as a substitute early in the second half. The Coventry team was made up predominately of reserve team players and those with a bit of experience in the first team.

"I thought we did fairly well, but playing alongside other players who are trying to make impressions on the coaching staff is somewhat difficult,'' said Clarke.

"I found it hard to get played into the game but on the whole I felt both of us didn't play badly.'' Adapting to the long ball game has been a big challenge for both Clarke and Paynter. "The fullbacks are pumping the ball long down the line all the time and coming to try to get the ball off a midfielder doesn't happen too much,'' Clarke explained.

"I found Kuwait were a good touch-passing team and in the second half they had the better game. I had an opportunity myself with a header but I nudged it wide. I should have put it away.'' Paynter, too, is taking things in his stride. "I would rather have played at fullback but I was happy to play the whole game,'' the recent college graduate said.

"I didn't do as well as I would have liked but they do play a different style from Bermuda. By passing the midfield there was a lot of time when I was out of the game. I'm enjoying it and I still want to make it. There seems to be no problems for us as far as the physical goes.'' Paynter has praise for coach Phil Neal, the former England defender. "He's great with the players and can relate to them,'' said Paynter.

Today the team is due to play a friendly against Wolves. "Hopefully we'll be in that squad,'' said Paynter. "I'll ask if I can get a chance at right back, though I'm just happy to be a part of it. Definitely we'll get something out of this.'' Goalkeeper Adams and defender Shawn Smith have been involved in three sessions so far with Crewe. "There's been a lot of running but we're both enjoying it,'' said Adams.

"This afternoon there was some shooting and crossing and we've been doing a lot of ball work.'' Crewe have two goalkeepers on their books though one is on the transfer list.

Adams is one of three 'keepers on trial at the club which boasts England international David Platt as one of their most famous products.

"He trained with us today and I believe they are going to do a coaching video,'' Adams says of Platt who has just joined Italian giants Juventus.

"He's a nice fellow and we had a chance to exchange a few words.'' Added Adams: "Even if we don't get signed this will definitely be a great experience for all of us. It's good also because we're still in the World Cup and this will take us to a new level. All the players will get something out of being in a professional environment.'' PHILIP CLARKE -- Making the most of his opportunities at Coventry.