GRAHAM Turner insists he's not bothered that Hereford United have been overlooked as Chester City's main challengers.

Pundits have been backing Jimmy Quinn's Shrewsbury Town for that role with some even marking Chester down as Conference champions-elect.

Turner though is having none of it and with the Bulls lying just five points behind Mark Wright's team in second-spot plus with a game in hand, is conceding nothing.

"The fact everyone is ignoring us could work in our favour," said Turner.

"We're very much regarded as the underdogs which has surprised me a little bit with people looking as far down as Shrewsbury and seeing them as the main challengers.

"Some experts have already given the title to Chester but there is a lot of football to be played yet."

Shrewsbury occupy fifth spot but are 12 points adrift of Chester and seven points behind the Bulls though with a game in hand.

The two sides meet at Edgar Street at the end of March for what could be a six-pointer.

Turner believes he has enough strength in depth to survive the next few months and with leading scorer Steve Guinan back in the fold and possibly set to start against Burton Albion in today's Conference clash at Edgar Street, has renewed optimism.

Long term casualty Andy Tretton is also edging closer to a recall and should be taking part in a specially arrange reserve team game next week to boost his fitness.

Meanwhile 21-year-old Rob Purdie has followed team-mates Matt Baker and Michael Rose by earning international recognition.

The former Leicester City trainee has been included in the National Game squad to face Italy at Shrewsbury Town next Wednesday, kick off 7.45pm.

Rose is named as a reserve but there is no place this time for Baker or Ben Smith.