Shaun Goater believes prize capture John Barry Nusum comes with a 'goals guarantee' as the marksman prepares to shoot down Charlotte Eagles in his much-anticipated Hogges debut tomorrow night.

New boy Nusum has received clearance by United Soccer Leagues (USL) to play against perennial favourites Eagles, thus handing the Hogges a massive boost ahead of their 2008 season curtain-raiser.

The 27-year-old, on loan from Philadelphia Kixx, will be charged with the prime goalscoring responsibility this campaign and Goater reckons Nusum's potent track record suggests he is more than capable of shouldering the burden.

"John knows people will be judging him on his goals return for the Hogges and that won't bother him," said the Hogges president. "He has natural goalscoring capabilities and has scored everywhere he has been.

"I think the Hogges coaches will really develop his game and we have more creativity in our team this season, so he should get some decent service. He's the sort of player I imagine some MLS scouts could be looking at if he scores plenty of goals for us."

Despite Hogges missing key defenders Kevin Richards and Omar Shakir, who are on FA Cup final duty, Hogges co-owner Paul Scope believes Robert Wilson and Darius Cox are more than capable of stepping up to the challenge against Eagles.

"Sure, Kevin and Omar will be a loss for us but let's not forget the progress Darius and Robert made last season," he said. "They both improved greatly as the season wore on and we're confident they can fill the voids left by Kevin and Omar.

"Admittedly, we've not been left with much cover in defence with Johnny Ball (PHC), Michael Parsons and Seion Darrell (both Hornets) also involved in the final. But John Barry Nusum has played in defence before and Stevie Astwood can also fill in if required."

Scope added that Hogges planned to rotate the captain's armband this season due to the number of players they possess with leadership qualities.

"I think we're going to take a leaf out of Gareth Southgate's (Middlesbrough coach) book this season and have a number of captains," said Scope. "Southgate recently said the idea of one club captain was 'old hat', especially with the size of squads these days.

"But that's no reflection on Kwame Steede who was a terrific skipper for us last season and has followed up with another good season at Devonshire Cougars. He will remain a player who will provide leadership for us.

"This season we've a number of guys who are leaders such Omar Shakir, Kevin Richards and Kofi Dill. Ralph Bean skippers North Village and Jelani Scott is captain of Somerset Trojans, not to mention John Barry Nusum who has led the national team."

Striker Lloyd Holder has chosen to travel with the franchise to the US and will therefore miss his club Dandy Town's final against PHC.

Bermuda Hogges face Charlotte Eagles at the UNC Charlotte - TransAmerica Field tomorrow.

Bermuda Hogges 16-man squad:

T.Figuerido, N.Burgess, D.Cox, R.Wilson, K.Dill, J.Tucker, K.Steede, K.Bean, S.DeGraff, D.Ming, J.Jennings, R.Bean, S.Astwood, J.Barry Nusum, L.Holder, D.Coddington