Dandy Town marksman Antwon Russell is confident he can be the proven goalscorer to help shoot Bermuda Hogges up the USL-D2 table

Russell, 22, is set to be one of four or five new players named in Kyle Lightbourne's Hogges squad for the coming season, along with Hamilton Parish striker Jamie Smith and Cougars defender Kijuan Franks.

Having experienced trials at MLS side Chicago Fire and David Bascome's indoor outfit, Baltimore Blast, Russell is already well versed in the muck and nettles of the US game and is hungry to make his mark with the Hogges.

"I've always wanted to play for the Hogges but I previously missed out on selection," said Russell, who attended the franchise's' first pre-season get-together at the Arboretum last night.

"It probably worked out in my favour as I was able to win the Island Soccer League (ISL) last summer, but now I'm ready for a new challenge.

"I'm a bit younger than the other boys and I believe I have something to offer.

"Even from the bench I can make my presence known."

Title chasers Hornets have used Russell primarily as a midfielder season this season but he is adament his real talent lies in scoring goals, not making them.

"I'll play anywhere but I still see striker as my position," Russell said.

"I'm looking forward to being able to learn off great strikers like Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne.

"The USL will be something new to me but I've already had a taste of the professional game in the US when I was at trials at Chicago Fire and Baltimore Blast."

Meanwhile, Russell's Hornets team-mate Damon Ming is on track to be fighting fit in time for Hogges' opening clash of the season against Crystal Palace Baltimore next month.

The flying winger picked up a foot injury during Hornets' 2-1 win over against Hamilton Parish at St. John's Field last month, but returned to light training earlier this week.

"It's been a frustrating time for me being out, but I've been pretty fortunate with injuries so far during my career," Ming said.

"I'm still hoping to get fit before the end of Hornets' season so I should definitely be ready for the start of the Hogges one.

"I've been doing a bit of running and my foot feels fine so I'm pretty happy with the way things are going."

Hogges coach Kyle Lightbourne believes he has assembled "a decent squad" for his team's third campaign at the pro-level.

"It's always important to add a few new faces," Lighbourne said.

"I think we've built a decent squad that's strong enough to compete at this level.

"We just need to cut out the silly mistakes and keep our concentration."