Michael Briscoe waits for operation

Kidderminster Harriers defender Michael Briscoe could face a race against time to be fit for the start of pre-season training.

Briscoe needs a hernia operation and is due to see his surgeon on Friday, hoping to be given a date to go under the knife.

It could take up to a month to recover and, with the players due to report back to Aggborough on July 4, the 27-year-old wants surgery as soon as possible.

He said: "I am just concentrating on getting myself fully fit for next season and, hopefully, I will be able to start the first game but, obviously, you are not guaranteed that unless you prove yourself.

"There should be good competition for places at the back, which will push me even further, and I am looking forward to next season."

Briscoe signed a one-year extension to his contract with Harriers before last season had even finished and is one of 13 players under contract at Aggborough.

But defensive cohort Mark Albrighton is expected to leave after being told he would not be offered a new deal, while there are question marks over the future of fellow centre-back Tom Sharpe, who is recovering from dislocating his knee.

However, Luke Jones is on board to bolster Harriers' options at the back after rejoining the club from Forest Greenm for a second spell last week and Briscoe has recieved good reports about his new team-mate.

He said: "I have spoken to a few of the lads who played with him at Kidderminster the first time, obviously I also played against him last season and he seems a very good signing.

"You always look at who the club sign, especially if it's in your position."