Hereford United skipper Ian Wright could make a surprise return for Saturday's vital FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash with minnows Arlesey Town at Edgar Street, writes Ian Morgan.

The Bulls defender was anticipated to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after breaking a bone in both his left hand and wrist in a freak incident against Northwich Victoria nine days ago.

The double fracture to Wright's arm is much less serious than first feared, however, and he hopes to return against the Ryman League Division 1 North outfit.

Wright said: "My arm has been a bit sore, but it's a lot better than we initially thought. I am wearing a plaster cast and, all being well, I could be available and part of the squad."

The Bulls will start as favourites to pick up the £20,000 prize-money and book their place in the first round of the FA Cup.

But Hereford boss Graham Turner has warned his players that they cannot afford to take the Bedfordshire outfit lightly.

He said: "We shall show Arlesey every respect. It was not too long ago that we lost at home to Newport Isle of Wight after taking a two-goal lead. This is a must win game for us.

"Financially, a run in the FA Cup is vital but so too is the prestige and interest created among supporters."

Arlesey regard the tie with Hereford as one of the biggest games in the club's history, second only to their FA Vase triumph in 1995.

Their squad includes former Hereford defender Andy Theodosiou, striker Wayne Court, brother of Newcastle's Carl Court, ex-Peterborough and Walsall midfielder Scott Houghton and former Stevenage player Neill Trebble.

Theodosiou, who watched Hereford's thrilling 4-3 defeat to Northampton on Tuesday, said: "We are all looking forward to the game and we should be bringing about 200 fans."