CHRIS Lane is hoping to make history by becoming the first Hereford United player to be capped by England.

The 21-year-old's consistency at right-back for the Bulls has led to speculation that he may get the call from John Owen's, manager of the England semi-professional team.

But the former Everton trainee is taking it all in his stride, saying: "I just have to concentrate on playing well for Hereford United, and if it happens, it happens. It is always nice to represent your country."

Lane has certainly shone since establishing a regular berth in the side last season, and along with fellow youngsters Gavin Williams, Tony James and Paul Parry is frequently being monitored by scouts from Football League Clubs.

Having failed to score a goal in his first two seasons at Edgar Street, he's found the habit this season with three strikes to his name.

He believes United can mount a strong

challenge for the Nationwide Conference title, and believes their early exit from the FA Cup will help that aim.

Lane added: "It would have been nice to do well in the FA Cup but at least now we can concentrate fully on the league, and hopefully we can put one or two victories together.

"Our home from hasn't been that good but we've won our last two at home now and hopefully we can go on from there."

Strangely, no Hereford player has been capped by England since their relegation to the Conference in 1997.

Striker Neil Grayson was selected for the squad to face Holland three seasons ago while still a Hereford player, but he had been transferred to Cheltenham Town by the time the match was played.

However, Lane is not the only candidate this time with players such as skipper Ian Wright knocking on the selectors' door as well. The in-form Williams is actually Welsh and so does not qualify.