KIDDERMINSTER Carolians are facing a selection headache ahead of their season opener at Veseyans this Saturday.

KCs are missing eight players due to injury or absence as they start their Midlands Two West (North) campaign.

Injuries to hookers Joe Kingstone and Grant Jones and winger Arthur Morgan have added to Director of Rugby Phil Knowles’ selection issues.

He said: “It is going to be an issue but hopefully others can step up to fill the void.

“It has just fallen badly for us with people tied up for various reasons as well as a few injuries.

“We will look at the squad closer to the weekend and make our decisions on who will play. We have already partly selected the side but need to finalise our plans.

“We do have a reasonably strong squad this year and the quality is certainly there.”

Kidderminster beat Shrewsbury 36-14 in their final warm-up game.

Tries for George Morgan (three), Ryan Wainwright, Alex Baldwin and Alex Thompson sealed the win, with Morgan also adding three conversions.

Knowles is hopeful his side can mount a promotion push this season.

He added: “Pre-season has gone well and hopefully we can be up there challenging again.

“The quality of the players and coaches is there for us to be one of the teams to beat.

“We faded in the league a little at the end of last season but can hopefully start well this time around. With players missing for the opening game it does mean others have the chance to step up and show what they can do.”