Bermuda Hogges have been given the green light to draft in replacement players to soften the blow of losing most of their roster to the national team next month.

In principle the United Soccer League (USL) have agreed for the Hogges to call up domestic trialists for four vital fixtures, scheduled in the midst of Bermuda's World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad.

The Gomby Warriors' first leg, on June 15, takes place on the same weekend as Hogges' away matches against Richmond Kickers and Crystal Palace Baltimore. And the second leg, on June 22, clashes with a home double-header against Western Mass Pioneers at the National Sports Centre (NSC) on June 20-22.

Hogges co-owner Paul Scope said although they were relieved they would now be able to honour the fixtures, he admitted the ramifications of taking on mid-season trialists would sting them financially.

"Obviously we're relieved we will not have to forfeit any games," said Scope. "But it will put an extra strain on us financially as we will have to pay a basic wage to those players called-up to the national team, as well paying match fees to the new players.

"We will also have to buy new kit and work out new travel arrangements, and we accept there may be a dip in attendances at our home matches because essentially we will be fielding a reserve team.

"Understandably our expectations won't be quite so high, but that's not to say we won't be doing all we can to win these games."

Scope said the pro-outfit anticipated losing up to 14 key players to the national team with the bulk of Kenny Thompson's squad sure to have a strong Hogges flavouring. But he pointed out that the new brigade would have the added incentive of trying to win a berth in the Hogges roster, with three squad slots up for grabs.

"If you look at recent national team squads they have featured Hogges players, plus the likes of Khano Smith, Tyrell Burgess and Reggie Lambe. Our squad is already stretched defensively and we expect to lose the whole of our defensive unit.

"But Bermuda Football Association (BFA) technical director Derek Broadley has been very helpful in working with us at this difficult time. He said he would inform us of the players we will be without as soon as he was able to, so we should have time to plan.

"Essentially the new players will be on trial and we have three spaces on our roster still available if we're sufficiently impressed by anyone - that will be their incentive.

"Shaun (Goater) and Kyle (Lightbourne) have drawn up a list of the players they want and we will start inviting them to train with us shortly. We hope to reveal their identities soon. This could be viewed as an opportunity to develop young players for the Hogges and the national team."

The Hogges are still trying to rearrange the second match of their home double-header against Western Mass Pioneers, which clashes with Bermuda's second leg against Trinidad at the NSC, from Sunday June 22 to Saturday June 21.

Scope said the Pioneers had agreed to play back-to-back matches on the Friday and Saturday. The Hogges still need confirmation on the second date from the NSC trustees, with the North Field another venue option for them.