Harriers duo struggling for Mansfield

Kidderminster Harriers today hoped to push midfielder Jack Byrne through his first training session as Kyle Storer emerged as a doubt.

Storer is struggling to make Saturday's do-or-die Blue Square Premier clash at home to Mansfield after picking up a hamstring injury in training.

That increases the need for midfield cohort Byrne's return after four games out with another hamstring strain, which could have ended his season.

But, throughout, the 22-year-old has recovered quicker-than-expected and he could join the rest of the squad today as they prepare for the Stags.

Harriers are also anxiously waiting on striker Nick Wright for Saturday's curtain call at Aggborough, with the knee injury he picked up at Luton.

Wright, who has scored five goals in his last three games, was hurt in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Kenilworth Road and may not recover in time.

That could open the door for Steve Guinan, who dropped to the bench for that game, and his experience could be key for the must-win match.

Three points are imperative for Harriers and still won't be enough for a play-off place if Luton, who hold fifth place, win at champions Fleetwood.

It will be nail-biting f0r the home support but they were out of it with one game to go last season, after losing at Rushden & Diamonds.

And Harriers assistant boss Gary Whild believes that is further proof significant strides have been made in the past 12 months.

He said: "I think we have definitely improved this season on last season.

"Looking at the statistics, the performances and the players we have here, that progress is there.

"That has been added to with a little bit of stability, in that there are lads who have been tied down for the future, too.

"The young lads will learn from all of the experience they have had this season as well so, certainly, we are stronger."