Bermuda have been handed a major boost after Aaliyah Nolan was declared fit to play in the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup qualifying match against Barbados at the Flora Duffy Stadium tonight at 7pm.

The striker had been doubtful after going off injured just before the break in the first meeting between the two countries at Wildey Astro Turf Stadium in Bridgetown last Friday, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

A constant threat in the attacking third, Nolan scored Bermuda’s goal and also struck the post before picking up an injury.

When asked would the key player be available, Bermuda coach Naquita Robinson replied: “Yes, she is.”

Robinson has drafted two additional players into her squad in the form of defenders Taznae Fubler and Kalay Hollis.

“Taznae returns and Kalay will get her first senior call-up,” she added.

Asked will there be any changes to her starting XI from the previous match, the coach said: “There will be some changes.”

Bermuda squandered their lead and an opportunity to further distance themselves from the chasing pack at the top of League B group C against Barbados, who equalised through defender Adrienne Forde’s second-half strike to earn the hosts a share of the spoils.

However, despite dropping their first points and conceding for the first time in the competition, Bermuda remain on top of their group by a point over Dominican Republic.

“We were disappointed but we still control our destiny,” Robinson said. “We got the point that keeps us at the top.

“We struggled to play our game because of the physicality of the opponents. We regroup now and go again Tuesday.”

Robinson is confident the hosts can come away with the desired outcome and reckons playing at home will afford them an advantage.

“We know what to expect and we will make the necessary adjustments,” she added.

“We will get it right and playing at home will give us that edge.”

Bermuda, who sit seven places above Barbados in the Concacaf rankings, are unbeaten in the competition having prevailed against Dominican Republic (2-0) and St Vincent & the Grenadines (4-0) in their other group matches to date.

The Dominican Republic will host bottom team St Vincent at Felix Sanchez Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in today’s other group match.

The Dominican Republic are the firm favourites to come away victorious having thrashed hosts St Vincent 8-0 in the first encounter at Arnos Vale Sporting Complex last Friday.

Jazmin Jackson led the visitors charge with a hat-trick, Kathrynn González added a brace while Vanessa Kara, Winibian Peralta and Dahien Cabrera scored one each.

Robinson’s team are attempting to qualify for the inaugural Gold Cup in the United States next year.

“Every match is important until the final whistle of the final match,” she said.

“We rate all of our opponents as if they are the toughest we are going to face and approach each game with the same mentality; play our football and adjust tactically when required.”

The eventual group winner will advance to a play-off where they will face one of the second-place teams from League A.

The winner of the play-off match will then qualify for the Gold Cup to be held from February 20 to March 10.