Goalkeeper Jason Williams is ready to make a swift return between the sticks for Bermuda Hogges and knows he has a tough act to follow in replacing in-form rival Nigel Burgess.

Burgess had a minor motorcycle accident earlier this week but was already unavailable for Hogges' double-header against top of the league Wilmington Hammerheads due to overseas commitments.

It paves the way for Williams to stake a claim for the number one jersey he was forced to surrender through suspension after receiving a red card against Real Maryland Monarchs in Hogges' last away match. "I've got another chance to impress the coaches and give them something to think about over our next two games," said Williams.

"I'd known for a while that Nigel had been ruled out of these games as he is going to be off the Island.

"He's had a little scrape on his bike but will be back in contention very soon so I know I have to play well."

With first-choice shot stopper Timmy Figureido out for the season with cruciate knee ligament damage, Williams is set for an intriguing battle for the 'keeper's spot with Burgess who starred in Hogges' recent win over Richmond Kickers.

Williams had debated whether or not to return to the Hogges fold this season and had been sounded out by Bermuda Under-23s who wanted the North Village 'keeper to play for them this summer.

Ironically, it was his close friend Burgess – man-of-the-match against Kickers last week – who convinced him to sign for the Hogges for a third campaign.

"I thought Nigel did great against Kickers and was very impressed with his performance – he will certainly be a hard act to follow," Williams said.

"But I'm feeling really good about my game and thought I was doing pretty well before I got sent off against Monarchs. It's hard for a 'keeper as once you get in you don't want to give up your spot.

"It would be nice to have a run in the team now because it's difficult having one game here and one game there."

Coach Kyle Lightbourne has failed to sign Southampton Rangers' Jason Smith on loan, meaning midfielder Keith Jennings will have to reprise his role at emergency 'keeper.

But former Trinidad international Marlon Rojas is in contention to make his much-anticipated Hogges debut.

Hogges play Wilmington Hammerheads tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at the National Sports Centre. For more details visit www.bermudahoggesfc.com