Lightbourne will return to England later this week to begin preparing for the new English season which starts next month.

Like Shawn Goater, Lightbourne is out of contract and ambitious, hoping that his 24 goals last season to go with 27 the year before will finally begin attracting attention from clubs in one of the higher divisions.

If all else fails and both players are forced to start the season with their current clubs then there is a season-opening clash to prepare for as Rotherham travel to Walsall on August 19.

"That's always something to look forward to,'' said Lightbourne prior to leaving Bermuda on Monday.

However, both would gladly miss that match if it meant playing in one of the top two divisions in England.

Both players have deliberately delayed signing new contracts, hoping a club from either the First or Premier Divisions will seek out their talents.

"I haven't signed a new contract with Walsall, I'll leave that open until I get back to England and hopefully things will start happening from there,'' said Lightbourne.

He pointed out that at the age of 27 (28 in September) this is going to be a crucial season for him if he is going to realise his dream of playing at the top level.

Another club in the division has also been showing interest although Lightbourne is saying little at present.

He confirmed he had also been offered a new and improved contract by Walsall who finished in mid-table in their first season back in the Second Division.

"I've spoken to Paul Taylor, the general manager who deals with contracts, and they want me to stay but they understand the position I'm in where I want to play at the highest level,'' said Lightbourne.

"This is probably the best opportunity for me, after having two successful seasons, to try to force the issue.'' Lightbourne and Goater's names are being circulated to clubs among a list of out-of-contract players. Transfer activity is expected to pick up in the next few days once club managers return from holiday and pre-season training begins.

Some English clubs have already made new signings, with players from the just-completed European Championships attracting the attention of top clubs.

Lightbourne underwent a groin operation at the end of last season and is hoping to have fully recovered in time for the new term.

"It's been slow progress but hopefully by the beginning of the season everything will be just right,'' he said.

"I don't think there are any serious problems. When I go back -- and that's why I'm going back a bit earlier than normal -- I will train a week before everybody else to get a bit more strengthening and be ready for July 11 when pre-season training starts.

"It's been a bit sore but after each session it seems to be getting better and better. I'm just ready to get back and start playing football again.'' Goater has been linked with another club, Bristol City who just missed out on a place in the Second Division play-offs last season. He is delaying a firm decision until he returns to England next week and speaks with his agent Mark Georgevic.

"We've worked so hard and have been in Division Two for so long,'' said Lightbourne. "Time is running out.''