Hereford United defender Michael Rose has signed a one-year extension to his contract with the Nationwide Confer-ence outfit, writes Ian Morgan.

The former Manchester United youngster has been an influential figure in Hereford's push for a play-off spot and his contract was set to expire this summer.

The 20-year-old left-back joined the Bulls in the closed season following his release by Conference rivals Chester City and Hereford boss Graham Turner is delighted to have secured Rose's services for a second season.

Turner said he hoped that several other United players would make further commitments to the club between now and the first week in May.

Widely regarded as a free-kick specialist, Rose has made 35 Conference appearances for Hereford this season, scoring four goals, including two against Woking at Edgar Street in November.

Rose's consistent performances for United have caught the eye of rival managers and he was called-up by Paul Fairclough for the England National Game XI's international friendly with Holland which ended in a 0-0 draw at the BV Sparta 25 FC Stadium on Tuesday.

Rose's availability for the England team was uncertain until Conference chairmen finally agreed on Thursday to release their players for the international in Holland.

Fairclough was forced to pick an England team from players outside the Conference for February's international in Belgium following a club versus country selection row.

But the Conference chairmen called a truce last week after they were informed of a positive meeting between their board and an FA delegation in Soho Square.