Hot property Keishen Bean has resolved his college eligibility issues paving the way for him to represent Bermuda Hogges this season.

In order to secure Bean's services, the Hogges hierarchy have drawn up a 'tailor-made' contract enabling him to play professional football without contravening his amateur status, which he must preserve to compete at college level in the future.

Having Bean onboard will serve as massive shot in the arm for the pro-franchise who will be aiming to make the transition from basement strugglers to a force to be feared in the USL-D2 in the upcoming campaign.

"I've spoken to Cape Breton University, in Canada, where I'm looking to attend later this year and they've given me the go-ahead to play for the Hogges," said Bean. "It's the same university attended by Bermudian players Jason Davis, Antonio Lowe and Jacqui Simons.

"There are certain stipulations in my Hogges contract and my terms are different from the rest of the players. My only concern was protecting my amateur status and I'm delighted it's been sorted out."

The Hogges are expected to reveal their 2008 roster next week with a number of subtle changes set to be made from the squad which finished rooted to the bottom of the league last season.

Bean, who previously attended Lynn University in Florida, is adamant the Hogges will be a far more competitive franchise during their sophomore season.

"I'm most definitely looking forward to playing for the Hogges this season," said Bean. "Obviously I know most of the players from the national team and we really believe the Hogges can be very competitive this time around.

"I certainly think it will be an interesting season for us. There's always a chance you could be spotted by a bigger club while playing for the Hogges. But I'll just be concentrating on having a good campaign with them and then attending university."

Despite being used exclusively as a defensive midfielder when on national team duty, the 21-year-old has been in prolific form for North Village Rams this season as a striker, forming a potent partnership with Ralph Bean.

It is thought he will perform the 'anchor role' for the Hogges although the versatile youngster admits his favoured position is going through the middle as a front-runner.

"To be honest I do prefer playing up front," said Bean. "However, I'm more than happy to play midfield and that's where I've been used for the national team. But wherever Kyle Lightbourne and Shaun Goater decide to play me is fine by me."

Bean is sure to be a starter for the national team in their clash against Cayman Islands on Sunday, with the World Cup qualifier delicately poised at 1-1 from the first leg.

And Bean, who scored against MLS powerhouse New England Revolution last month, has no doubts Bermuda will prevail over the Caribbean minnows.

"I promise we will get the job done in Cayman. Keith Tucker and Kenny Thompson are working to get things right and we're feeling very confident ahead of the game."