Baker signs permanent Harriers deal

The 19-year-old, who turns 20 on January 20, got an early birthday present in the form of an 18-month deal at Aggborough, after making the left-back berth his own in 27 appearances on loan.

Albion have duly complied by releasing the teenager from his Hawthorns deal, which was set to expire in the summer.

Baker believes that his move away from his boyhood club will ultimately prove to be to his benefit.

He said: "Having spoken to the gaffer here and people at Albion, we've agreed all round that it's the best decision. The manager here has taken a chance on me, when not many other people

would have touched me with a barge pole.

"I had been out for 12 months, not played a first-team game, had a knee injury at only 19. A lot of managers will have thought 'I don't fancy taking a risk on him.'

"I owe a lot to him for giving me the chance and now hopefully I can repay him."

Baker makes his first foray into the FA Trophy tomorrow, as Harriers take on the Unibond League outfit at their New Manor Ground home.

The Blue Square Premier side go from underdogs to favourites in their second cup tie on the road in succession, after bowing out of the FA Cup at Coventry last weekend after a run that netted the club £100,000.

The 'non-league FA Cup' can be another money spinner and, with £6,000 waiting for the winner for the tie, the stakes continue to be high.

The trophy has been earmarked by Harriers boss Yates as a realistic chance of silverware and, with £100,000 for the winners and a final at Wembley, the prospect is mouth-watering.

He said: "We are going to give it a real good go. Ilkeston will be a banana skin but we have handled these sort of tests well this season."

Harriers have doubts over defender Martin Riley, with Luke Jones standing by to take his place.