Hereford United have received a timely boost ahead of tomorrow's home Nationwide Conference clash with high-flying Stevenage Borough (3.00).

Defender Paul Sturgess has agreed to commit himself to the club on a full-time basis.

The 24-year-old former Charlton and Millwall player is due to finalise details with Director of Football Graham Turner today.

Sturgess, who originally joined United for a month after impressing in pre-season, has also agreed to move into the Hereford area from his home in Kent.

Turner said: "He has done quite well for us. There is still plenty of room for improvement but he has a strong left foot."

Skipper Ian Wright is United's only doubt after breaking his nose in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Forest Green.

Wright has been in the wars in recent games, having suffered a head injury at Yeovil the previous week. Turner added: "I think he has just been unfortunate."

Turner's only other dilemma is whether to play Paul Fewings from the start. The striker has come off the bench to score a late winner in each of the last two games.

"He has done well when coming on as a sub," said Turner. "We have to decide whether we get the best out of him when we start with him or bring him on with half-an-hour left when the sting has gone out of the game."

United are now seventh after winning three of their last four games, but their revival will be sorely tested by second-placed Stevenage.

"People tell me they are the best side they have seen this season -- they are a very good outfit with some good players."

"We didn't play particularly well the other night and there is plenty of room for improvement from individuals, but it is important that we keep our run going."

United then have their first free midweek of the season before next Saturday's trip to Dover.

Hereford (from): Jones, Clarke, Wall, Wright, Sturgess, Rodgerson, Taylor, Snape, Elmes, Piearce, Williams, Fewings, Parring, James, Lane, Rudall.