Hereford United have made a last-ditch attempt to relinquish Michael Rose from international duty.

The defender has been called up for the National Game XI semi professional squad to face Belgium in Ostend on Tuesday but his inclusion has caused a major headache for Bulls' boss Graham Turner.

Worcester City's Adam Wilde has been included in the same squad but with the international clashing with the Bulls' vital Nationwide Conference game with lowly Margate, Turner has faxed the Football Association to ask for his release.

Turner said: "We are already operating within our means, as the FA indicated a club should do.

"We also have Danny Williams suspended and both Rob Purdie and Matt Clarke injured, so we cannot afford to be without Michael Rose."

Cash-strapped United are already operating with one of the smallest squads in the division and Rose's unavailability because of an international call-up would be a massive blow, as Turner readily admits.

"We all know the importance of our game at Margate and so, too, does Michael. He understands what we, at the club, are all working for, and realises that his loyalties are first and foremost with Hereford United."

Williams is ruled out of the Margate game serving the second game of a three match ban following his red card at Morecambe.

Midfielder Matt Clarke continues to make good progress after knee surgery but is still about four weeks away from a return so Turner's options remain limited.

Sixth-placed Hereford are currently contesting fifth spot with Morecambe and with just behind them, Turner cannot afford any slip ups at Margate who he watched bet Worcester 2-0 in the FA Trophy last week.

"Margate did okay but Worcester had chances in the first half and should have scored," added Turner.