SALISBURY City could have Robbie Matthews back in their ranks for tomorrow's FA Cup first qualifying round trip to Exmouth Town.

Whites have made their interest known in the Eastleigh striker and were trying to thrash out a financial arrangement with their Ryman Premier rivals yesterday.

Salisbury general manager Nick Holmes confirmed: "I've spoken to Paul Doswell (Eastleigh manager) and hopefully we can sort something out.

"I think Robbie would be good for us. He'd already left Salisbury when I took over as manager but I've seen enough of him and know all about his qualities and weaknesses.

"He's a young lad and another one we'd like to work with."

Holmes, a Saints FA Cup hero of 1976, spent virtually his entire career in the homely atmosphere of The Dell and believes that Wiltshire-based Matthews could benefit from going back to his roots.

He said: "I only ever played football for a local team. I don't think I'd have been any good playing for anyone else! I've had a couple of players leave here because they wanted to go and play with their mates. Some people feel more secure in smaller places and I think it might do Robbie good to play locally again."

Salisbury skipper Scott Bartlett and wideman Mark Lisk have a half a chance of returning from injury tomorrow, but gritty midfielder Wayne Turk has hurt his foot again and could be out for at least a month.

Last season Salisbury's FA Cup exploits took them to the first round proper at Sheffield Wednesday and team boss Mark Kelly said: "The FA Cup was a big part of the season for the lads and they'd love to mirror what they did last year. There will certainly be a buzz in the camp."

Bashley, away to Ashford Town (Middlesex) tomorrow, were also interested in Matthews, along with Eastleigh's other transfer-listed players Neil Davis and Tyronne Bowers. Manager Geoff Butler said: "I spoke to Robbie and he wants to go to Salisbury and Tyronne doesn't want to go down a level. I spoke to Neil Davis two weeks ago and he hasn't come back to me, but I believe they're releasing him from his contract."