Bermuda Hogges have unveiled national team ‘keeper Nigel Burgess as their first addition to the squad — as Kyle Lightbourne reveals he is looking to sign more recruits.

Burgess has been training with the Hogges for the past three weeks and will travel to the United States for this weekend’s fixtures against Crystal Palace Baltimore and Richmond Kickers.

The 26-year-old will be signed initially as a regular player, but it is understood he will then become the Hogges’ third franchise player, on an annual wage, later this year.

Another player who could be joining up with the Hogges in the near future is Bermuda defender Kevin Richards, who is believed to be returning to the Island from England where he works.

With first-choice keeper Timmy Figureido unable to travel due to work commitments, Burgess’ arrival could not have been timed better with only Jason Williams available.

It is understood Williams will start against Baltimore with Burgess on the bench — but the Hamilton Parish man is confident it won’t be long before he claims the ‘keeper jersey.

“It’s an exciting time for me and it’s great to be part of Bermuda’s first professional football team,” he said.

“I will be pushing for a starting place but that won’t be easy because Timmy (Figureido) has been in great form and Jason (Williams) will also be challenging. “Having played for the national team I’m already familiar with the players so I won’t have any problems settling in.”

Burgess, who has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with football equipment giant Reusch, has been playing for Howard University for the last four years and is familiar with a few of the Crystal Palace Baltimore players.

He aspires to one day play in England and hopes the Hogges can act as a launch-pad for bigger things.

“At the moment I’m just delighted to be involved with the Hogges but I would love one day to play in the MLS or Europe — England would be good,” Burgess added.

Co-owner Paul Scope firmly believes the young gloveman is destined for a bright future in professional football and is delighted to have him on board.

“He has a lot of ability and one of the players who could go on and play at a higher level,” he said.

“But he will face competition from Timmy (Figureido) who has been in excellent form so far.

“We have also spoken to Timmy about helping bring both Nigel and Jason along so he will also be involved with the coaching side of things from now on.”

Coach Lightbourne echoed Scope’s sentiments saying: “Nigel is a player we had pencilled in at the start of the season but was unable to join up with Hogges because of university commitments.

“We know all about him and he’s a guy with a lot of potential and ability.”