Mercurial midfielder Keith Jennings is training with Bermuda Hogges as a trialist while their internationals are on World Cup duty - more than a year after snubbing an offer to join their squad.

The North Village playmaker impressed during the Hogges' 8-1 victory over Bermuda Under-20s national team earlier this week and could be in line for a surprise start in their next match at Richmond Kickers.

Jennings, 29, turned down a chance to play for the Hogges in their inaugural season after he was not offered one of their franchise slots, which went to Stevie Astwood and Damon Ming.

He later had trials at their USL-D2 rivals Harrisburg City Islanders before joining Island Soccer League (ISL) outfit the Storm.

The Hogges have been forced to negotiate their next three fixtures without the bulk of their roster with as many as 14 players expected to be in Kenny Thompson's national squad for the first-leg qualifier against Trinidad.

Team president Shaun Goater said Jennings had contacted them about going in the 'shop window' as the Hogges look to beef up their depleted ranks.

"Keith Jennings would not be overawed at this level and would cope very well," said Goater. "We are already aware of Keith's attacking qualities and general ability as a footballer.

"He played in a friendly game for us earlier this week and was impressive. Keith's a very talented player and we just want him to show the right attitude ¿ as we do from all our trialists

"Keith is a player we wanted to sign last season but things didn't work out. I think we understand a lot more about him now and his family responsibilities outside the game."

The Hogges have also held talks with Robert Wilson about making a return to the team to help soften the blow of potentially losing their entire defensive unit. The versatile defender walked away from the Hogges last month because he could fully commit due to personal reasons.

"We have spoken with Robert about the possibility of him helping us out at this difficult time," said Goater. "We are looking at a lot of local players and more than anything we want them to show us they have the right attitude. The shop window is open to these players and it's up to them to impress us."

Neither Dennis Zuill nor Raymond Beach, who were released from the Hogges roster at the start of season, have been approached but both Goater and coach Kyle Lightbourne will register themselves as players.

Young Bermudian midfielder Andrew Charlton, who has recently finished college in the US, has also offered his services as they look to patch up a side for their next three games.

The Hogges take on Richmond Kickers at the University of Richmond Stadium on Saturday, June 14, the day before the national team play Trinidad in the Caribbean. Bermuda's second leg at the National Sports Centre clashes with the Hogges' home double-header against Western Mass Pioneers on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21.