Shot-stopper Nigel Burgess insists he can solve Bermuda Hogges' goalkeeper crisis and soften the blow of losing Timmy Figureido for the rest of the season.

It's understood that Figureido's knee injury is more serious than originally thought with the Somerset Trojans 'keeper sustaining knee ligament damage against Crystal Palace Baltimore last week.

And with his understudy Jason Williams receiving his marching orders against Real Maryland Monarchs in the following match, Burgess has emerged as the chief beneficiary of his rivals' bad fortune.

"Obviously I'm disappointed for Timmy as it looks like he may even miss part of Trojans' domestic season," Burgess said.

"It's also bad news for Jason getting sent off and I joked with him that I didn't think he'd make it quite that easy for me to get back in."

Hamilton Parish skipper Burgess has been the 'next cab in the rank' for much of Hogges career behind veteran Figureido and is now determined to seize his opportunity with both hands.

Due to work commitments he is currently unavailable for Hogges' away matches but with five home games on the horizon he's confident he can cement his place between the sticks.

"Now I've got the chance I have no doubt I will hold on to the keeper's jersey," said Burgess.

"I've been given the go-ahead by Kyle Lightbourne (Hogges coach) for the game against Harrisburg City Islanders and I'm feeling really good about my game at the moment.

"I actually convinced Jason to re-sign for the Hogges this season as I think players respond when there is competition for their position and I know he'll be looking to get back in the team as soon as possible."

The Bermuda international, who is fresh off another fine season with Hamilton Parish, knows the only way to put bums on seats at the National Sports Centre is by picking up points – but has warned it will take time for Hogges' new faces to gel.

"It's important more fans come to watch us play but we all know Bermuda supporters only respond to victories," he said.

"While it's nice to pick up points on our travels it's the home games that really count.

"There are a few new faces onboard this season and once they get accustomed to the higher level I think we will get better and better."

The Hogges have contacted Southampton Rangers' keeper Jason Smith to beef up their squad following the loss of Figureido.

Hogges coach Lightbourne said Figureido's injury would be a major loss for the club.

"Timmy's been very good for us over the last two seasons, and it is disappointing for this to happen in the first game of the season," he said.

"But we've got Nigel Burgess and Jason Williams who have both experienced this level and we have also contacted Jason Smith."

Skipper Omar Shakir has backed his team to bounce back from their opening pair of defeats when they tackle Harrisburg City Islanders tonight at the National Sports Centre.

Shakir missed Hogges' doubleheader in the US through work commitments but should return to the heart of defence.

"After missing the first two games that we lost there's a bit of pressure to come in and steady the ship so to speak," he said.

"I feel pressure from myself, more than the coaches or players, because I always try to play to a high standard.

"No matter how well I might play in a game, if we lose I feel bad and usually don't sleep well that night."

The Hogges have slashed their wage bill this season in order to cut their cloth in the current financial climate and Shakir admits the franchise needs to have success on the pitch to attract more coffers in gate receipts.

"In the current economic climate, I think we must have a successful season to increase the sustainability of this franchise," Shakir said.

"In my opinion, that would be making the play-offs or at least being in contention in the final game.

"Personally, I would like to see us beat some of the teams that have consistently beaten us the previous seasons, as well as consistently getting points against the teams who have finished around us in the table.

"This would be a clear indicator that we are not only improving but are being more competitive in this league."

Kick-off at the National Sports Centre tonight is at 7 p.m.