Jack Byrne ready for Harriers recall

Kidderminster Harriers midfielder Jack Byrne has declared himself ready to answer the call and return to the team for Saturday's home game against Luton.

Byrne was back for the trip to Mansfield last weekend after a four-game suspension, but was an unused substitute as Tom Shaw and then Callum Gittings were preferred in the centre of the park.

But Shaw is a serious doubt for Saturday's clash at Aggborough with the foot injury that forced his withdrawal against Mansfield, Gittings taking his place after 43 minutes.

Should Shaw not make it, it will be a straight race to replace him between Gittings and Byrne, who has spent over a month out of action after picking up a red card at Darlington.

However, the combative midfielder insists he is good to go if called upon by manager Steve Burr and has vowed to give it his best shot.

Byrne said: "I was quite surprised to be put on the bench, but we are playing so well that I am not expecting to walk straight back into the side.

"It's just good to be back in the 16 but I will have to work hard to get my place back.

"If Tom's injury does rule him out it's a blow but I wondered be overly surprised if the gaffer started with Callum, either.

"If the opportunity comes, hopefully, I will grab it with both hands and carry the baton.

"I will give everything for the team in the push for the play-offs."

Byrne admits it has been tough watching from the sidelines with his last game coming on February 22, where he was dismissed for violent conduct.

But the 23-year-old insists his application in training has been the same as if he was preparing for a game.

He said: "I wouldn't go into training and think, just because I am out, I can go in with the wrong mentality, I always go out and give as much as I can.

"I love to play football and that's why I do it."