DANNY Leadbitter has given Hereford United a timely boost by being declared fit to return ahead of tomorrow’s Skrill Premier trip to Gateshead (3pm).

The right-back missed last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Welling United with a leg injury but is back in training having recovered.

It has shortened the casualty list for manager Martin Foyle, who also saw Michael Rankine shake off a knee complaint to grab the winner at Edgar Street. But, with the loan window not reopening until next week, Foyle is keeping an eye on his striker.

“Michael looks like he’s OK but, with the hard ground, we’ve got to be careful with his knee and can’t afford for him to break down at this moment in time,” he said.

The Bulls boss also won’t risk midfielders Kingsley James and Danny Pilkington (both hamstring) for the north-east clash.

Josh O’Keefe remains sidelined with a broken arm but full-back Joel Edwards is back in training following an ankle injury and could be involved soon.

Hereford aim to maintain their good start to the campaign which sees them seventh in the table after six games.

Foyle was particularly pleased with his side’s efforts against Welling considering their injury crisis in recent weeks.

He said: “They are honest boys and, the majority of the time, they will run through a brick wall for you and that’s all I can ask in the position we are in. A win is a win and it gives us a bit of confidence with a long trip to Gateshead.”

Gateshead, who this week appointed former York City boss Gary Mills as successor to Anth Smith, have taken four points from their last two games after losing the first four fixtures.