Hereford United boss Graham Turner is close to signing an experienced midfielder ahead of Saturday's important Nationwide Conference clash with Dagenham & Redbridge at Edgar Street.

The Bulls chief hopes to put the seal on the loan deal because Ben Smith will not be available for about three weeks and Danny Williams is struggling with a groin injury picked up in the defeat against Scarborough last Saturday.

Skipper and influential central defender Ian Wright also faces a fitness battle after tearing fibres in a hamstring, leaving former Walsall trainee Richard Teesdale in line for a recall.

And, with John Grant likely to be out of action for a month after fracturing a fibula, Turner is seriously considering bringing in a striker on loan in time for the LDV Vans Trophy first round and the FA Cup fourth qualifying round later this month.

Turner said that he does not think that Scott Voice is match fit and believes the former Bilston Town striker needs longer in training, some reserve team action or a spell out on loan.

A couple of Dr Martens League clubs have expressed an interest in the availability for loan of the injury-hit marksman.

Former Swansea City trainee James Fox remains at cash-strapped Hereford on a non-contract basis and the forward scored for the reserves in the 2-1 friendly defeat against their Cheltenham Town counterparts on Monday.

Turner said: "If we can start playing at home like we have been doing away from home then we will not go too far wrong. Our home form is a real mystery to us. Possibly, we have got one of the worst home records in the division. It's difficult to put our finger on why that is happening and perhaps one win may act as a trigger."

In fact, sixth-placed United will be aiming to chalk up only their second home win of the campaign against the much-fancied east London outfit expected to include former Chelsea striker Mark Stein and ex-West Ham skipper Steve Potts.

But on Tuesday night, the Bulls travel to lowly Leigh RMI in a bid for their fifth consecutive away league win.