Bermuda Hogges chiefs are confident franchise duo Stevie Astwood and Damon Ming can use the international stage to maintain match fitness with trials at UK clubs not materialising.

With two national team friendly fixtures possibly in the pipeline for later this month, Bermuda internationals Astwood and Ming should be able to dust off any cobwebs before the Hogges return to pre-season training in February.

Hogges co-owner Paul Scope said UK trials had not developed for a number of reasons, but hoped both players would be active with the national team soon.

"Hopefully there should be some international friendly matches over the next few months. That should ensure both Damon (Ming) and Stevie (Astwood) will be in great shape by the time Bermuda Hogges return to pre-season training.

"As franchise players they are expected to keep themselves in good condition during the off-season - that's written in their contracts. But at the moment, as also stipulated in their contracts, neither will be permitted to play domestic football. We plan to sit down and talk to both players sometime this month."

Astwood, who is currently coaching at former club Somerset Trojans, was named Rookie of the Year in the USL-D2 last season. The striker, who was also named in the USL-D2 All League Team, was the Hogges' leading goalscorer with four goals during their inaugural season.

Winger Damon Wing also received a nomination for the Rookie of the Year award. There had been speculation English lower league club Stevenage Borough was a possible destination for the pair during the US off-season.