HAVE any of Hereford United's talented youngsters got what it takes to make a name for themselves in the game?

Director of Football Graham Turner's decision to place defender Tony James, midfielder Gavin Williams and winger Paul Parry on new two-year contracts is surely an indication that the answer could be yes.

The cash-strapped Bulls want to ensure that they profit fully when the time comes for them to step up in class.

United have not exactly been renowned for producing a string of stars down the years. Kevin Sheedy, who starred for Everton after leaving Edgar Street in the late 1970s, is an honourable exception, as in Blackburn defender Darren Peacock - although he learned his trade at Newport before joining Hereford.

More recent Bulls discoveries like Gareth Davies (Crystal Palace) and Andy Brownrigg (Norwich) didn't quite live up to

their early potential, and they now ply their trade for Reading and Kidderminster Harriers respectively. But the current trio proved in the two FA Cup ties against Leicester City that they have the temperament to cope with the big occasion.

Parry grabbed all the headlines with his shot that hit the post in the first meeting at Edgar Street and has proved a constant menace for opponents with his trickery and pace. But the contributions of the other two were no less important. Williams, who like Parry has come through the youth ranks at Edgar Street, was perpetual motion personified and was one of the stars of the Filbert Street replay.

James defended with great authority and has benefited enormously from having a colossus such as skipper Ian Wright playing alongside him.

Their performances attracted a string of scouts to watch them.