The Bann star, who helped Dutch club HGC qualify for the next stage of the new Eurohockey League over the weekend, has been given clearance by the European Hockey Federation and the Irish Hockey Association that he will be eligible to play for his home-town club on his return from Holland next month.

Eugene's move to HGC, where he joined fellow Irish internationals Iain Lewers (Annadale) and John Jermyn (Cork C of I), left many baffled as it was for a short-term period - unlike Lewers and Jermyn who are there much longer and another Irish international, Phelie Maguire, who spent a year there before returning to Three Rock Rovers.

It meant that Magee's eight weeks in Holland would jeopardise his position at Banbridge, unless clearance was forthcoming, and he could have been kicking his heels after Ireland complete their Olympic Games qualifier in New Zealand in mid-February.

But with the clearance through, Magee will be back for his team's Irish Senior Cup tie next month and also any upcoming Premier League games before the internationals head off to Chile and Australia as part of their build-up to the qualifier.

Magee remains eligible, according to the EHF, because Bann are not involved in European hockey this season.

Magee, Lewers and Jermyn all scored for HGC in the 3-1 win over German club Alster on Saturday and a 2-2 draw against Waterloo Ducks yesterday guaranteed their place in the next stage of the Eurohockey League.

Another Irish international, Michael Watt from Instonians, but currently playing his hockey with Grange while at Edinburgh University, was also on the mark in the Euro competition but the Scottish club - who also have Ulstermen Andrew McBride and Colin Clarke - failed to make it through after two defeats.

Meanwhile, Cookstown and Banbridge are the last two unbeaten teams in the Vi-Sport Premier League.

Cookstown crushed Mossley 6-0 to lead on goal difference from Bann who came from behind to beat Bangor 4-1. Instonians are third after their 2-1 win over champions Annadale.