Coach Kyle Lightbourne could be in line for a shock return as an “emergency defender” with Bermuda Hogges looking for a short-term solution to their defensive woes.

The 38-year-old earned himself the nickname “Killer” during his time in England in reference to his predatory scoring instincts, but could feature as a defender ahead of the Hogges’ double-header at Crystal Palace Baltimore and Richmond Kickers this weekend.

It is an option Lightbourne is opposed to in principle but concedes it is a definite possibility with the Hogges desperate to dam the free-flowing sea of goals conceded in recent matches.

His side have struggled to cope with the route-one style of football adopted by their USL Division Two rivals and Lightbourne’s aerial ability and experience could be used to good effect in counteracting that approach.

“I have talked to the other coaches about using me as an emergency centre-half and it’s an option we are looking,” he said.

“We have had problems defensively, especially with the long-ball, and that’s something I could help combat with my heading ability. So yes, my introduction from the bench at some stage is a possibility.

“To be honest I’m against the idea but with three games in four days we may need to rest players and it’s another option for me to consider.

“I played in a practice match in defence earlier this week so I’m in reasonable condition if I was required to figure.

“It’s likely we will have to freshen things up although the majority of the team will be called upon to play back-to-back games.”

Both Hogges’ opposition this weekend should be buoyed following good results — with Baltimore beating high-flying Charlotte Eagles 1-0, while last year’s champions Richmond temporarily took top-spot after a 2-1 win at Wilmington Hammerheads.

Crystal Palace Baltimore are part of the development system of the English Football League Championship side Crystal Palace. The club was set up in 2006 with this being their first ever season the USL.

Among their ranks are a number of promising young players including Charlie Sheringham, son of former England striker Teddy

Sheringham.

“Baltimore are also a new franchise team and Paul Scope has scouted them a lot this season and we know they are a footballing side — that should suit our style of play,” said Lightbourne.

It’s believed the Hogges will persevere with the 3-5-2 formation they experimented with against Harrisburg Islanders, with Omar Shakir set to continue as sweeper.

It’s a configuration that bore fruit in the first half against the Islanders with the Hogges entering the midway point leading before their second-half collapse.

But Lightbourne said he had seen enough evidence to suggest the sweeper system could help reverse their fortunes and quench their thirst for a first victory.

“I have watched the video of last week’s match and believe the sweeper system worked well. Islanders’ second, and crucial, goal was conceded while Dennis Zuill was receiving treatment for a head injury so we were a little unfortunate,” he added.

With first-choice keeper Timmy Figureido unable to travel due to work commitments Hogges have swooped to sign 26-year-old Bermudian international Nigel Burgess.

Burgess has been playing in the NCAA first division for Howard University and was a regular member of Lightbourne’s and Paul Scope’s Digicel Cup national team squads earlier this year.

It’s believed Jason Williams will replace the in-form Figureido for his first Hogges appearance with Burgess on the bench, while Shaun Goater will once again partner Steven Astwood in attack.

The Hogges also welcome back midfielder Sammy DeGraff and striker Lloyd Holder from injury after they missed the 4-2 defeat at Harrisburg Islanders last week.