Harriers keeper on way back

Kidderminster manager Mark Yates has called on his defenders to help keeper Scott Bevan ease back into action – by keeping him out of it.

Bevan was due back between the sticks at Aggborough this afternoon after two months on the sidelines with a torn calf.

But Yates reckons he will need time to rediscover his full match sharpness.

He said: "It will be great to have Scotty back in action.

"He is a big part of our team. Chris MacKenzie has done a great job for us on loan from Shrewsbury but it is really nice to see Scott back.

"He has been training for a couple of weeks now with the lads and he has been kicking for around 10 days.

"But obviously training is not the same as playing games and it might take him a short while to get back up to 100 per cent. Hopefully our defenders will do their bit and give him a few quiet afternoons."

Bevan said: "The worst thing that can happen to a footballer is to be out injured for a long period of time.

"Every time I have watched the lads in training I found it very tough not to be with working with them.

"When I first had the injury I thought I would be out for just a week, but I kept injuring myself every time I tried to rush back.

"But in the last week I have been able to train and kick the ball, which was the biggest problem.

"I just hope I am able to come through the fitness test and make myself available for the squad."

Yates was also set to welcome back midfield playmaker Simon Russell today after the knee injury that has kept him sidelined for all but 30 minutes of the previous matches this season.

Yates said: "It's really great to see Simon back. He is a really important player for us and we have missed him."

Russell admitted he is just pleased to be out of the treatment room to give physio Ian Foster some peace.

He said: "I'm very relieved to have hopefully come out of it the right side but it's been a frustrating time," Russell said.

"I'm sure Fozzy (Foster) is just as happy because I've probably annoyed him over the past four months with my moaning and complaining.

"Obviously now my general fitness will need some work but it's not too bad, I feel quite good.

"I've watched all of the games and I think I can bring something to the team.

"It's my job as a wide player to create things, to make goals and hopefully score a few, too.

"So I just want to build on what I did last season, hopefully I can do that.

"It will be a challenge given the amount of time I've missed but it's a challenge I'm ready for."