AN injury to England striker Emile Heskey has boosted Hereford United's hopes of Cup glory at Leicester City tonight.

He is rated as doubtful after injuring a calf in Saturday's home defeat against Derby County.

The Foxes are already without three players who figured in the first game at Edgar Street - winger Steve Guppy (cartilage), midfielder Neil Lennon (hamstring) and defender Frank Sinclair (calf).

But despite their injury problems, City manager Martin O'Neill is determined not to allow Hereford any second chances.

"I was happy to settle for a replay at half-time at Edgar Street, but I knew we had to play into the wind and up the slope.

"But I am hoping it will be a different kettle of fish at Filbert Street. It will still be a tricky game for us, and this will be Hereford's big night," said O'Neill.

City, who have not scored in seven hours of football, could also rest one or two players in the middle of a demanding schedule.

O'Neill added: "We have got a lot of games. It is a demanding programme which takes its toll, especially on the older players.

"I am trying to look slightly ahead, but not too much because if you don't take care of the present, you will get dumped out of the competition."