CAPTAIN Stuart Whitehead is on the road to recovery after his hernia surgery but believes he will have to fight for his place in Kidderminster Harriers' team if they start the season well.

The Harriers skipper stepped up his comeback, just three weeks after hernia surgery, by starting training with the squad this week.

Whitehead was one half of a hard-to-beat centreback pairing with Mark Creighton last season, but the captain knows he cannot rest on his laurels after an impressive pre-season by new signing Jon Munday.

"It's the manager's discretion if he picks me when I am back fit," said the captain.

"If the team is playing well I may not be able to get back into the side with the competition we have for places now.

"It means I can't expect to walk back straight into the team and all I can do is work hard and make sure I'm ready when I am called upon."

The skipper is set to miss Harriers' opening game of the season on Saturday, after needing surgery on a hernia at the start of July.

Despite the setback he has been working hard in the gym to ensure that he can return to full fitness as soon as he has fully recovered.

Even though he's not been able to train with the squad, the captain has been helping Harriers' new signings fit in and keeping the squad in high spirits throughout the summer months.

"My recovery's going slowly at the moment but hopefully I'm getting there," said the captain.

"All I can do is work hard in the gym and start training when I am ready.

"I've been able to get involved with some of the team's preparations but nothing that could aggravate my injury.

"I haven't kicked a ball since Wembley and when I came back to training the problem flared up.

"But I have been at the ground helping the new lads fit in. They're a good bunch and the squad's spirit is excellent."

n French midfielder Amar Boukhalfa has not given up on his dream of playing in English football.

The gifted attacking player is currently training with Kidderminster Harriers; squad after coming to Aggborough as a trialist in the summer.

Currently studying in the West Midlands the wing-wonder is hoping to make an impression on Harriers manager Mark Yates.

"I really want to succeed in English football, it is my dream," said Boukhalfa.

"If I go home I will consider it a failure, even though I'm taking a risk coming here.

"Harriers are a very serious club and at their level they are one of the best. I think it would be a good place to play."

Boukhalfa is currently trying to get to grips with the rough and tumble style of English football after being brought up on the stylish play developed across the channel.

He started at FC Grenoble and has played for FC Echirolles in the fifth level of French football.

Boukhalfa said: "I am still adapting to the English style of play. Compared to in France it is more about strength and power and I am still getting use to it.

"England has one of the best leagues in Europe and I really want to succeed."