Yates waits on Richards verdict

Kidderminster manager Mark Yates faces an anxious wait on top scorer Justin Richards' appointment with an eye specialist in Droitwich today.

The 11-goal striker has missed the last two games since he was hurt and replaced in the 1-0 win at Wrexham.

The initial prognosis for the 28-year-old was up to four weeks out but, with nearly two weeks already passed, Harriers hope that a return date can be set.

Yates is ruling absolutely nothing out, even the possibility that Richards could return sooner than you think.

The boss said: "Justin will see the specialist today and hopefully we will get a date to green light him back into training. That might not be the case, we will just have to wait and see.

"Our club doctor has spoken to a sports specialist in this area and, from the reports we have had in, we are hopeful that he has recovered from most of the damage.

"But until we have word from the specialist, we will not know for sure."

Richards' latest setback has been another blow in what could well be his best season at Aggborough, not to mention the breaking up of the most formidable partnership in the Blue Square Premier with Matthew Barnes-Homer.

After already missing two weeks earlier in the season with a hamstring injury, Richards will be raring to get back, especially with four other formidable strikers slugging it out for two starting berths.

Darryl Knights, Stefan Moore, new signing Chris Beardsley and Barnes-Homer are other options.

But Yates has backed his top scorer to come back with a bang.

He said: "Justin is a strong boy and it is not a problem him being out. He will come back just as good as he was before. It is not a big deal, he will recover and no doubt will soon be knocking on the door for his place back.

"We want him back in our squad because he is a big player for us."