Hereford United skipper Ian Wright is eager to return for Saturday's important Nationwide Conference clash with former Football League rivals Scarborough at the McCain Stadium.

Wright, who turned 31 this week, has been plagued by injury this season but is expected to replace Tony James, who serves a one-match ban.

The former Stoke defender has now recovered from a knee injury which forced him to sit out last Saturday's win over Kettering Town and he is desperate to help sixth-placed United maintain their play-off aspirations.

Wright's last contribution in a Hereford shirt was a dramatic eight-minute appearance against Stevenage Borough at Edgar Street in which he rescued a precious point with a last-gasp equaliser.

"I have been disappointed at being left out of the side because I thought I had done well in matches prior to my injury at Northwich - and I always try my hardest," he said.

"But you just have to respect the manager's decision and take the opportunity when it comes along."

Striker John Grant misses the trip to Yorkshire because United were unsuccessful in their appeal against his red-card at Yeovil and the former Crewe youngster has been handed a three-match suspension.

The Seadogs, who beat Hereford 1-0 at Edgar Street in September, also need league points to revive their outside chances of securing a play-off position.

The cash-strapped Yorkshire club had lost six consecutive league matches before their 2-0 win at Leigh last Saturday.

Hereford United Independent Supporters' Association have provided funding to pay for over-night accommodation for the Bulls' players and officials.

United boss Graham Turner said: "We all know the importance of the match and, with the welcome donation from HUISA, we can now prepare in a professional manner."

l HIGH-flying Hereford United have secured a new-and-improved two-year shirt sponsorship deal with Sun Valley, which will take effect from May.

The cash-strapped Bulls are delighted to continue their long-standing association with one of Herefordshire's biggest employers.

United chairman Turner thanked Sun Valley and said that the deal involved marginally more money than in previous years.

"We are delighted to continue over sponsorship with Sun Valley and the money will help us to keep going over the summer."

Turner added: "Sun Valley have been pleased because there has been a lot more exposure of the club, particularly with us involved in six televised matches over the last two years."

Richard Maxfield, director and general manager of Sun Valley Foods Ltd, said the company were pleased to continue their association with United.

He added: "The sponsorship deal takes effect from May when, hopefully, Hereford will have made it through to the play-off final."