John Finnigan near to squad return

Kidderminster Harriers could name player-coach John Finnigan among their substitutes against Gateshead as his recovery gathers pace.

Finnigan has yet to make an appearance this season after problems with a knee and long-standing calf injury, but has trained fully for the past week although he is short of match practice.

Just to have the 34-year-old midfielder in the squad for tonight's Blue Square Premier home game would be a marked improvement, as just three weeks ago anything more than a gentle jog would give him cramp in his calf.

Wounded warrior Michael Briscoe is also expected to continue in central defence despite spilling blood for the cause in the 2-0 defeat at league leaders Crawley on Saturday, having stitches in a head wound but finishing the game.

Harriers could also decide to freshen up their attack, after Nick Wright and Marc Williams come on in the last game with Lee Morris and Chris McPhee ineffective.

The team return to Aggborough tonight for the first time since their best home display of the season, a 2-0 win over AFC Wimbledon, which has been followed by away defeats at Bath City and Crawley.

With that in mind, manager Steve Burr has highlighted the importance of getting back on track in front of their own fans.

He said: "It is important we dig in deep, get three points tonight and pick up from where we left off in our last home match, given we've been unable to get anything from the two trips we've made over the course of the last week.

"After a difficult start to the season, Gateshead have found their feet and are starting to put a few good results together.

"Tonight's game represents another tough test for our lads."

Former Kidderminster Harriers winger David McDermott, who left Aggborough in the summer, has been released by league rivals York.

The 22-year-old from Stourbridge was on a month-to-month contract at KitKat Crescent and had failed to make a start this season.