KIDDERMINSTER Harriers hitman James Constable is in a race to be fit for England C after being called-up for the International Challenge Trophy clash in Finland.

Ten-goal striker Constable and his Harriers team-mate Russ Penn have had their good form over the last season recognised by England boss Paul Fairclough after being called into the 16-man squad.

But with England C, formerly known as the National Game XI, set to clash with Finland in Helsinki on November 14, Constable is hoping he recovers from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of Harriers' last two games.

Constable, who has begun light training, is hoping to be back for Harriers' FA Cup first round clash away at Ware on November 10.

"It was a complete shock when the gaffer told me I had been called up to the England squad," said the striker.

"I have been scoring goals so it's a great honour to have my hard work and good form recognised.

"I am able to do some light training and Ian Foster is putting me through my paces.

"The injury is nearly completely healed and I am hoping that I will be back for our FA Cup game at Ware and the England match."

Penn, who has been called up to the stand-by squad previously, is also hoping to have a chance to prove himself on the international stage.

"I haven't been playing at my best so far this season but I think I have been selected because of how well I played last season," said Penn.

"It's great to get picked and I am ready to do my best if given the chance."

England C start their International Challenge Trophy group, which is a new extended version of the European competition Fairclough's team won last season, against Finland.

Before being laid low by his current injury problem Constable was one of the Blue Square Premier's most deadly strikers and is ranked fourth in the division's scoring chart.

Now that he has reached double figures the prolific Harriers striker is already setting himself new goal targets.

Constable said: "I went the first five games of the season without scoring but I have really got going over the last few months before the injury put me out of action.

"I set myself a target of getting into doubles figures and now I am aiming for 20 goals. If I reach that target then I will re-assess how many I am aiming for."

"As long as we win games I don't care if I am scoring. It's better we win 1-0 all the time, rather than me scoring a hat-trick and lose 4-3 all the time."

Harriers have two Blue Square Premier games on television over the next two months.

The home game against Woking on November 17 (12 noon kick off), will be televised by Setanta.

Harriers' home clash against Cambridge United has been moved two days back to Thursday, December 6 (7.45pm kick off) especially for Setanta.