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Glenn Blakeney is back.

The hard-hitting middle order batsman is training with the national squad and is expected to be included in the line-up for Bermuda's Americas Championship defence in Florida next month.

The popular left-hander hasn't played for Bermuda since 2004, but he insists he wants to be part of the national set-up again and believes he has the talent and the experience to help his country re-qualify for the World Cup.

"There is always pressure on me. Everyone knows me. They know what I'm capable of and they are always looking for me to perform.

"But I've got broad shoulders and I think I can take it. I'm always up for a challenge. It's good to be back."

There have been constant calls from fans of the Bailey's Bay batsman, now 35, for him to come back to the national squad.

But Blakeney said he had put his family first over the past few years.

"It's always good to have people's support. I've basically been concentrating on my family commitments but, with their support, I've said I'll give it one more try."

He said national coach Gus Logie had been a key factor in his decision.

"I had a talk with the coach and he impressed on me how important it was that we qualify for the next World Cup or at least make it to the top six.

"If we don't achieve that then our cricket takes a step backwards and we lose ODI status and we go back to playing teams like the Cayman Islands."

Bermuda travels to Florida on November 24 to compete in the Americas Championships. After that there are a host of tours scheduled through to the ICC World Cup Qualifier in April.

That tournament has now been switched to South Africa after initially being scheduled for Dubai and later moved to Bangladesh.

The top four teams in that tournament qualify for the World Cup with the top six getting ODI status.

"I know we can make the top six without any problems," said Blakeney.

"And if we put everything coach has taught us together I think we can qualify for the World Cup again."

Logie said it was great to have Blakeney onboard after losing so many experienced players in the wake of the World Cup.

He said it was important to have a mix of youth and experience in the squad.

"Glenn is a great addition to the squad and we're quite happy that he's showing this level of commitment and are looking forward to him taking the trip to Florida with us."[[In-content Ad]]

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