Hereford United defender Michael Rose is the centre a club versus country problem after being chosen in the England National Game XI squad for a friendly in Belgium this Tuesday, writes Ian Morgan.

The former Chester City player has been a key figure in Hereford's push for a play-off spot and he is desperately needed by Hereford for their crucial Nationwide Confe-rence clash at lowly Margate the same evening.

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 for Bulls boss Graham Turner.

Turner said: "We have faxed the Football Association asking for his release from the England squad. We are already operating within our means, as the FA indicate that a club should do. We also have Danny Williams suspended and have both Rob Purdie and Matt Clarke out injured, so we cannot afford to be without Michael Rose."

He added: "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."

Meanwhile, midfielder Williams will miss Hereford's Conference clash against struggling Nuneaton Borough at Edgar Street this Saturday because he starts a three-match suspension for his dismissal at Morecambe.

Fellow midfielder Purdie is still struggling with a knee injury and has also been laid low by flu, while central defender Tony James should be fit, despite missing the second half of Tuesday's draw at Farnborough with a dead leg. Defender Andy Tretton is available after suspension and although Clarke is making good progress after knee surgery, he is still about four weeks away from a return.