PAUL Parry, who as recently as January 3 was turning out for Hereford United in the Nationwide Conference, is set for a World Cup place after a sparkling debut for Wales against Scotland in Cardiff last Wednesday.

Parry has quickly established himself in Cardiff City's first team following his £75,000 transfer but even he must have been stunned by the speed of his elevation to the international squad.

The midfielder came on as a 33rd-minute substitute for Tottenham's Simon Davies and wasted no time in getting involved in the action with his first touch, a pin-point pass for Ryan Giggs to cross for Robert Earnshaw's second goal.

Later, another accurate through ball set up Gareth Taylor to complete Wales' victory with the fourth goal of a memorable evening.

Now, with Giggs suspended for Wales' first two World Cup qualifying encounters in September, Parry seems to have put himself at the head of the queue to deputise for the Manchester United star and he earned the praise of his international boss, Mark Hughes.

"He surprised me," said Hughes. "He showed me he could take the step up and I was delighted with him. It's some big jump from the Conference but he has certainly given me an extra option."

Parry's appearance for Wales meant an extra pay-off for Hereford as part of the deal which took him to Cardiff.