GRAHAM Turner has quashed talk of captain Tony James leaving Edgar Street as Hereford United prepare to take on UniBond Premier League outfit Radcliffe Borough tomorrow in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.

Skipper James was dramatically dropped from the Bulls' squad which lost 3-1 at Carlisle United last Saturday, fuelling talk that the long-serving 26-year-old defender could soon be heading for pastures new. But manager Turner is adamant that James is staying put and has recalled the Cardiff-born centre-half back into the side which faces Radcliffe.

On James' future, Turner said: "You can never take anything for granted in football. Tony has been excellent for us and I hope he's here for many, many years to come.

"I think he is the best central defender in the Conference. However, his form this season has not been as good as previous seasons and I wanted to give him a rest.

"Those are decisions I have got to take from time to time. I expect he'll

react positively to the disappointment and that's good. What we need is Tony back to his best."

James is likely to replace Andy Tretton who tweaked his hamstring at Carlisle, while midfielder Rob Purdie is facing a late fitness test after picking up a groin injury.

Ben Scott is set to start his second match in goal though Turner admits he is close to drafting in a new 'keeper.

Radcliffe, who boast controversial comic Bernard Manning as their president, have already knocked AFC Shildon and Moor Green out of the FA Cup.

United are hot favourites to overcome tomorrow's Greater Manchester visitors but Turner insists the opposition will not be under estimated.

He added: "We don't know too much about Radcliffe. We looked to have them watched at Guiseley last week but the game was postponed. We will have to be careful because they will come here fancying their chances.

"We can put to one side all the pressures of our league form and concentrate on getting a little cup run going. A win will give us confidence and it is something the players need.

"We've sat down with the players and watched excerpts from the Carlisle game. We have not been defending right in certain circumstances and we need to get that addressed."