Roger Lee has continued the Bermudian invasion at Ilkeston FC after becoming the latest Islander to join the English non-League club.

The Bermuda defender has received international clearance and is available for selection for the first team, having already made one appearance for Ilkeston reserves.

Lee was recommended to the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier side by Paul Scope, the Bermuda Hogges owner, who helped to forge links between Ilkeston and the Island last summer.

Scope said he believed that Lee would be afforded sufficient opportunities between now and the end of the season to win a permanent deal at the club.

“Roger played for the Hogges for three seasons and is somebody I’ve had a passing interest in for a while,” Scope said.

“He’s played for Bermuda for a number of years and I would say he’s been one the team’s most consistent defenders.

“He’s a good lad and someone I could trust to send over to Ilkeston. He definitely has the ability to play at this level and maybe even higher.”

Lee, who played for Robin Hood in the First Division this season, has moved into an apartment with compatriots Antwan Russell, Lejaun Simmons and Rai Simons, who all signed for the Derbyshire-based team at the start of the season.

Russell, the Bermuda striker, is on loan at Mickleover Sports FC, while Simmons, a former Devonshire Cougars winger, has been loaned out to Long Eaton United.

Scope said that Lee, who graduated from the University of Indianapolis last year, was prepared to put his work career on hold as he chases his footballing dreams.

“Roger already has his education sorted out and could get a good job in Bermuda, but he’s prepared to stay in England and keen to give this a go,”Scope added.

“I know Roger has been impressed with the set-up at Ilkeston and I’m sure he will get his chance to impress, as there have been a lot of games postponed due to bad weather in the UK.”

Lee, formerly of Somerset Eagles, made his Bermuda debut as a 17-year-old at the 2008 Digicel Cup in the Cayman Islands.

Ilkeston, who play Nantwich Town at home tomorrow, are twelfth in the league.