MATT Baker has been put on standby for the England National Game XI for their forthcoming match against the USA.

The Hereford United keeper is currently out with an ankle injury but his outstanding form has propelled him into contention for international non league honours.

Meanwhile Phil Robinson revealed Stuart Jones had been drafted in from Torquay after it was deemed Lee Evans was too inexperienced to be thrust into such a big game as the visit of Dagenham & Redbridge.

The match, of course subsequently fell victim to strong gales, but Jones is set to fill in until Baker returns.

The postponement of last Saturday's clash with leaders Dagenham & Redbridge was another blow (literally in this case with the wind damaging part of the Meadow End roof) to the cash-stricken club and the loss of £3,000 has added to Hereford's cash-flow problems.

There was a glimmer of light on the horizon this week with the news Edgar Street could be redeveloped as part of a new leisure centre including a new ground according to ambitious plans being proposed by Herefordshire Council leader Terry James.

Hereford's board have called a meeting for next Wednesday to discuss his proposals.

On the pitch player/coach Robinson has more pressing matters as he attempts to pull his side away from the Conference relegation zone. The Bulls are just six points from the bottom three and the consequences of dropping into the Dr Martens Premier Division do not bare contemplating.

For Robinson, who has made a seamless transition from player to player/coach, the next few matches against Dover today, Morecambe and Scarborough will be among his most testing since taking over.

Despite operating with one of the smaller squads Robinson managed to go 11 games with just one defeat but since that run ended the Bulls have suffered four defeats in a row.

Defence will be the key according to Robinson.