Reading United coach Brendan Burke is well aware of the threat posed by Tyrell Burgess and has singled him out as Bermuda Hogges' dangerman.

It was Burke who helped facilitate Burgess' move to professional side Vancouver Whitecaps after being impressed with him while playing for United (formerly known as Reading Rage) during the 2008 Premier Development League (PDL) season.

Since then Burgess, 24, has been forced to drop back down to the PDL with Hogges after being released by Whitecaps after just one campaign.

But Burke is adamant it will not be long before the flying winger returns to the pro ranks and admits United's defenders will be paying him special attention during Hogges' season opener on Friday night.

"Tyrell's nothing but a threat. He's got great pace, great ability and delivers a great ball," said Burke. "We're very wary of Tyrell and will be paying him close attention.

"He could, should and will be playing at a higher level than the PDL.

"He played 23 games for (Whitecaps) last season so he certainly wasn't on the backburner. I think he left because of a difference of approach between him and (coach) Teitur Thordarson and that happens in professional football and every other walk of life."

United, the Mid Atlantic Division defending champions, have started this season where they left off by winning their opening four league matches.

But despite their unbeaten form, Burke insists United will not fall into the trap of taking PDL new-boys lightly and believes this week's double-header will be a "feeling out process" for both teams.

"We want to give Hogges a stiff test. It will be a big feeling out process for both of us as we don't know much about them and they don't know much more about us," he said.

"We have a few guys coming in this week who haven't played for us yet and we're pretty excited about that,

"The team have done very well so far but it will take us a few more weeks to get our shape. We expect nothing but a very good test from the Hogges.

"A lot of our team have youth international experience and have played in youth World Cups so they're used to playing overseas.

"But for the other boys who haven't it will be a great experience . . . who wouldn't want to spend four days in Bermuda."

Unlike the Hogges, United will not be using any overage players this season.

Last year they became the official minor league affiliate of Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, the Philadelphia Union, who will be running the rule over United's best players throughout the campaign.

"We have a great resource in the Union and their staff now," he said. "From my standpoint it's been great because I can bounce ideas off them and I've been watching a few of their first team training sessions.

"Our players will be playing against the Union at home and a handful of our boys will go and train with the Union in Philadelphia."

Burgess will not be the only former United man Burke will be renewing acquaintances with when his team arrive in Bermuda tomorrow.

He spent a number of seasons as Derek Broadley's assistant at United and is looking forward to pitting his wits against his former mentor who is part of Hogges' backroom coaching team.

"You know Derek, he loves the banter. I'm sure he'll be up for it. I know we certainly are. It should be a good memory when all's said and done, whichever way it goes."

Hogges take on Reading United at 7 p.m. on Friday night, and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Both games will be played at BAA Field.

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Reading United 2010 season results

Won 5-0 against Hampton Roads (h)

Won 3-1 against Northern Virginia Royals (h)

Won 1-0 against West Virginia (a)

Won 4-0 against Carolina Dynamo (a)