STRIKER Michael Rankine insists his Hereford United team-mates cannot afford to let the club's financial plight distract them on the pitch.

The Bulls, who host Salisbury City in the Skrill Premier today (3pm), are due to face a winding-up order on Monday over an outstanding tax bill of £36,500.

But Rankine, scorer of two of United's goals in last Saturday's 4-1 victory over Southport, says everyone in the squad has to remain focused.

The 28-year-old said: “The financial news gives us something to think about but we have jobs to do.

"I was in a similar situation last season with Aldershot when they went into administration so I have

some experience of it.

“You have to get your head down and keep working – what will be, will be, we have to keep on playing and running through brick walls for each other.

"Whatever happens off the field with the finances is something we can’t do anything about, that is for the people above us to sort out.

“Last year here the same happened and the club ended up just outside the play-offs.”

Rankine also believes Martin Foyle's side, who are aiming to extend their unbeaten run to four matches, have the capability to steer clear of danger in the division.

“We have a good team and everything seems to be coming together now – that’s pleasing and I’m very happy with it,” the striker said.

“We have a great leader at the back in Luke Graham. He is very experienced and I believe is very unlucky to be playing at this level.

“I think he is one of the best defenders in this league and I would put him up there with the best in

League Two.

“We have a good core, Josh O’Keefe in midfield shores it up for us.”