Crystal Palace Baltimore will have the inside track on rivals Bermuda Hogges with former national team assistant coach Keith Tabatznik set to become the Eagles USA's technical director.

Tabatznik, who is expected to sign a contract within the next few days, spent a month working closely with the Hogges' international players during his stint as former Bermuda coach Keith Tucker's right-hand man.

The Hogges travel to face the Eagles USA in a double header next month and Tabatznik admits he will be expected to give his new club the lowdown on the strengths and weaknesses of Kyle Lightbourne's men.

"I'm sure Pete Medd (co-manager) will want to quiz me on what I know about the Hogges players," said Tabatznik. "I'm pretty familiar with most of them from my time working with the national team.

"I know the two teams meet next month and I'll definitely be looking to get along to those games and catch up with some of the Hogges players."

The Eagles USA are one of only a few clubs in the USL-D2 to operate a youth system and Tabaznik's role will be to establish a coaching curriculum for each of their academy teams.

He joins the Maryland-based outfit along with Matt Smith who previously worked alongside Tabatznik in the US Olympic Development Programme (ODP).

"Neither myself or Matt will be coaching any specific team. We will be dealing with the coaching curriculums for the youth academy teams," said Tabatznik who is Georgetown University's most successful ever coach.

"Any work I do with the first team will be incidental rather than hands on.

"I'll also still be able to continue my work with the (ODP) and carry on as an analyst for Fox Soccer Channel covering college games."

It is understood Tabatznik remains in the frame to rejoin the Bermuda national team's backroom staff in a scouting capacity. It is a position he would be extremely interested in.

"I'd love to work with the BFA again and I'll just have to wait and see what happens," he said. "I passed on my congratulations to Kenny Thompson and his team following their outstanding win over Trinidad and Tobago in the first leg last month, and I wish them all the luck for the Digicel Cup.

"I know Keith Tucker was delighted for the team as well. He always said they were capable of beating Trinidad.

"Whatever happens I will look back on my time with the national team with fond memories."

The Eagles USA are a feeder organisation for English Championship outfit Crystal Palace.

They pulled off a shock result in the US Open Cup defeating MLS team New York Red Bulls 2-0 earlier this week.

The Hogges take on the Eagles USA on August 3 and 6 at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.