HEREFORD United striker Rob Elmes says Sunday's televised FA Cup second round clash with Hartlepool United is the biggest game of his career.

The former Bromsgrove Rovers player missed their first round victory over York City after a hernia operation -- allowing his replacement Leroy May to grab all the glory.

But having returned to action in last Sunday's Conference win over Northwich, the 29-year-old summer signing from Halesowen Town now wants to grab a spot of the limelight for himself.

His only previous taste of the competition proper was at Bromsgrove two seasons ago, when they lost at King's Lynn in the first round.

"It was possibly the biggest disappointment of my career when we lost there," said Elmes, "and it was a massive disappointment when I had to have this operation which ruled me out of the first round.

"I am not as match-fit as I would have liked to be, but it was just important to get through 90 minutes.

"Psychologically it is a lot better for me to do that. It has given me a bit of confidence to know that I can get through a game without any reaction to the injury."

Elmes resumed his partnership last Sunday with Paul Fewings, who has shaken off a hamstring problem.

"I have been told we are the Conference's most prolific goalscoring partnership, which is good," he added.

"Paul is a very good player who feeds off my flick-ons and has scored some good goals for us.

"I would like to think that we have both done enough to be in the team on Sunday."

He is confident United can upset their Third Division opponents and claim a place alongside the big boys in the third round.

"It is a winnable tie. There is not a great deal of difference between Hartlepool and York in terms of league places.

"At home we can be very good and we are quite confident against anybody here. Everybody will be really up for it."

He also says the fans can play an important role. "We get great support at home in the cup, and that is worth an extra man in itself."

Elmes, one of only two part-time players on United's books -- he teaches at a school in Sutton Coldfield -- says he would like a tie with his favourite team Tottenham if they win through.

But he added: "I think it is well documented that the club is cash-strapped, so it would be very good to get a Premier League club.

"A big club at home would be nice, and then to scrape a draw so we can go there for a replay."

Director of Football Graham Turner will confirm his line-up after training today.