Tom Shaw set for Harriers start

Kidderminster Harriers utility man Tom Shaw is set to fill in at right back for the season opener at York - but John Finnigan has been ruled out.

Shaw, predominately a midfielder, is in pole position to take the spot in defence tomorrow with Lee Vaughan suspended for four games, after being tried out in the role in a pre-season friendly against Burton.

But player-coach John Finnigan will not play after twisting his knee in last Saturday's final pre-season friendly at Hednesford, although centre-half Tom Sharpe should be passed fit despite taking a knock to his hip in the same game.

And manager Steve Burr has confirmed Shaw is likely to join Sharpe in defence.

He said: "There's a good chance Tom will fill in, as we tried him out in that role against Burton and he did a good job for us.

"He's proved he can play there an that is where he comes in handy with his versatility."

The game at KitKat Crescent has taken on an added twist after Burr was forced to hit back at comments from right-back Duane Courtney, who switched between the clubs to join York this summer, along with winger David McDermott.

Courtney told his local press earlier this week that "quite a few players have a grudge against Kidderminster, as they feel they were messed about."

Burr has moved to respond by saying that "sometimes players think the game owes them a living and one or two have had a reality check this summer."

But that is the last comment the Harriers boss intends to make on the matter and is now fully focussing on the game.

He said: "For us, we will have a better idea after the game on how well we think we have done and how far we have got to go. We will learn a lot from our first game.

"I have watched York in pre-season but obviously it's the real stuff tomorrow and we are looking forward to it.

"It will be a tough game as they just missed out on promotion last year and, with the resources they have, you would imagine they will be up there again."