Bermuda's national academy players cannot afford any lapses in concentration against West Ham or Saint-Etienne as they will be punished, coach Scott Morton has warned.

Morton yesterday braved the wet, windy conditions to observe Saint-Etienne's players be put through paces in their first training session since arriving on the Island for the Clyde Best Invitational Tournament.

He believes it is crucial Bermuda match the intensity and sharpness of both professional European academies who they face this weekend, especially during the critical opening stages.

"The first 20 to 30 minutes will be crucial for us," said Morton. "If we can stay in the match then I'm sure we will have opportunities to impose our style of play upon them.

"We know both West Ham and Saint-Etienne will be sharp from the first whistle and it's vital we match their intensity.

"It's always difficult psychologically when you concede an early goal and we must be mindful of that."

While Morton concedes that the English and French teams are technically and physically superior, he reckons Bermuda could possibly have the edge over the opponents when it comes to a foot race.

He also backed Bermuda's players to raise their game against their more experienced counterparts.

"I think you will see differences between West Ham and Saint-Etienne in terms of their style of play, but at the same time you will see consistencies. Both teams will be very committed and mentally tough.

"We have to understand that football matches have different rhythms.It's crucial we are able to contain when the rhythm is with our opposition and use our pace when the rhythm is with us. That's a quality we have in abundance and can use to hurt them.

"In past we have seen Bermuda's players raise their game against overseas teams and hopefully we can do that again,"

Experiencing playing against a higher level of opposition is essential for the development of Bermuda's teenagers, said Morton, who hopes his players can eventually duplicate the discipline and dedication of this week's opponents.

"It's good for our boys to see these players in front of their own eyes, to see their consistency and commitment.

"They have been very professional during their training sessions and that's something we often talk to our players about.

"That's what we are looking to duplicate at the national academy.

"West Ham and Saint-Etienne's players will have a point to prove, they have bigger goals than us.

"They hope to turn professional and have the carrot dangled in front of them by their respective clubs.

"These games will certainly be a good test for us and our players are excited by the challenge."

Tonight's opening match at the National Sports Centre will see Bermuda Red v Bermuda Grey at 5 p.m., followed by West Ham against Saint-Etienne at –7 p.m.