Sammy DeGraff has backed Bermuda Hogges to dust themselves down from their back-to-back defeats on the road, insisting: "This team has plenty of potential."

Hogges, sporting a new green kit, opened the season with losses against Crystal Palace Baltimore and Real Maryland Monarch – but midfielder DeGraff saw reasons to be optimistic and believes they deserved at least a point from the US trip.

"I thought we did okay overall considering we haven't had much of a pre-season," he said. "Crystal Palace were a lot sharper than us in the first game and deserved to win.

"But in the second match we probably should have got something from the game.

"If we had played Monarchs first I think we definitely would have got a draw or even won, but we were probably a bit leggy. It's always tough playing back-to-back matches."

Hogges have four days to prepare for the first home match of the season at the National Sports Centre against Harrisburg City Islanders and DeGraff believes they need to be mentally and physically tougher.

"I'm think this team has plenty of potential," DeGraff said. "I'm optimistic about this season and think we can achieve something. We will probably work on a few things in training and I think we need to become mentally and physically fitter."

Goalkeeper Nigel Burgess could be called upon for the Ha Islanders match with Timmy Figureido an injury doubt and Jason Williams likely to be suspended following his red card against Monarchs.

DeGraff was full of praise for Williams' display and believes he was unlucky to be dismissed.

"I though Jason played really well and made some key saves for us. They hit us on the break and he made a tackle and caught their striker. I don't think he was the last man and so he was unlucky to be sent off."