Reggie Lambe insists that he is back in his “natural habitat” after returning to English football with Sky Bet League Two side Mansfield Town.

The Bermuda midfielder could be in line for his full Mansfield debut away to Stevenage today, having come on as a second-half substitute in last weekend’s 3-2 victory at home to Carlisle United.

He started his professional career at Championship side Ipswich Town, where he was given his debut under manager Roy Keane before being sent on loan to Bristol Rovers, who have since been relegated to non-League football.

Lambe then tried his luck in Major League Soccer, signing for Toronto FC, where he spent two seasons, making 66 appearances and scoring five goals before being released.

While Lambe enjoyed his time in Canada, he admits that his heart always yearned for a return to England, where the passion of the players and supporters matches his love for the game.

“This is where I wanted to play,” Lambe told the Hucknall Today. “I always wanted to settle myself in my career in England.

“The MLS is a very athletic league. But here you can see the passion a lot more in the football. I am very passionate about the game and I love being here where everyone feels the same way.”

Lambe, who had a three-month stint at Swedish side Nyköpings, said that it was a “dream come true” when he joined Ipswich’s academy as a teenager after being spotted by a scout in Holland.

“I used to play for Bermuda’s national [youth] teams as a youngster and on a trip to Holland I was seen by a scout from Ipswich and offered a trial,” he said.

“I came over two weeks on and two weeks off for a few weeks, seemed to impress them and they offered me a youth-team scholarship.

“It was a dream come true from a young player’s perspective. I pushed on and had a few years of pro contracts, so I must have done well.

“Then I moved on to Toronto. Now I am back where I want to be.”

The 23-year-old said that he been inspired to return to England after keeping tabs on the scoring exploits of Nahki Wells, who became the first Bermudian to break the seven-figure barrier when he signed for Championship side Huddersfield Town last season.

“I have always kept tabs on the English game, especially League One and the Championship when my Bermuda team-mate Nahki Wells has played for Bradford and Huddersfield,” he said.

“I am still involved in the international side. Our last fixture was a World Cup qualifier against Barbados a couple of months ago, and there will be more games coming around soon.”

It was a tough debut for Lambe against Carlisle, with Mansfield having to dig deep to preserve their lead.

“In those situations you need to do your defensive work, keep the ball if you can and see the game out,” Lambe said.

“I am an attacking player but in those situations you work for the team and make sure you get the three points. The boys have made me feel really welcome and I feel comfortable.”

One Mansfield player already familiar to Lambe is Ryan Tafazolli, a Southampton youngster, whom he faced in youth-team games with Ipswich.

“I remember him slightly from Ipswich, but he says he remembers me for my pink boots I used to wear,” Lambe said. “It’s always a good sign when you stand out.”