SECURING the signature of defender Keith Lowe is one of Mark Yates’s top priorities according to the Kidderminster Harriers manager.

Yates wants to sign the versatile 22-year-old, who made his debut in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Altrincham.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player joined Harriers on a non-contract basis last Friday, but after two solid performances at right-back the manager is eager to keep him at the club.

With the deadline for signing players at midnight on Monday, Yates will also be trying to strengthen his squad and may also ship several players out on loan.

“I’m trying to keep Keith because he’s a good player and has played in the Championship,” said Yates.

“When I was at Burnley we took him from Wolverhampton on loan and he was excellent.

“He’s a big solid defender but he can play, he's got quality. I obviously want to keep Keith and it’s something I’ll be talking to the chairman about in the next couple of days.

“I have to speak to the chairman about new players and there are one or two things that may happen, but it might mean getting one or two out, so we’ll just have to see.”

While Lowe, who was released by Wolves in the summer, was coming through the door, Harriers stalwart Simon Russell ended his four-year involvement with the club by joining Blue Square Premier rivals York City.

The 23-year-old, who scored 17 goals in 154 appearances for Harriers, left after he and the club failed to agree on a new deal, despite protracted talks over the summer.

Yates said: “I had a phone call from York and there was a bit of interest in Simon. He’s been a great servant over the years and I felt it was time for him to move on.

“I thank him for his efforts and wish him every success at his new club.

“We couldn’t reach an agreement and we tried our best, there’s no getting away from it — money is tight. It was a great chance for him and I wasn’t going to stand in his way.”

Harriers will be aiming to show that their new-found form is no flash in the pan, when high-spending Rushden and Diamonds come to Aggborough for a Blue Square Premier clash on Saturday.

The Aggborough side bounced back from a poor start to the season by taking four points over the Bank Holiday weekend (read reports or see pictures from games) .

“Four points is great because Altrincham were no pushover on Saturday and Burton were always going to be difficult as well,” commented the manager.

“We’ve got to take our good performances and move onto Saturday.

“We’ve got nothing to fear in this division, there are some strong teams but we have some good players and must make sure we get the best out of them.”

With the deadline for transfers looming, Harriers will also be aiming to hold onto their prized assets, such as Russ Penn.

The 23-year-old was the subject of a bid by League One side Walsall in July and the club is braced for another approach from the Saddlers.

Chairman Barry Norgrove said that the club will only sell the midfielder if the price is right.

“Obviously, Mark has his targets and we have a board meeting tonight, where we will discuss matters,” said the chairman.

“We would only sell Russ Penn if the right bid came in and we have heard nothing else since Walsall made an offer in July.

“He’s not a player we want to lose and if he was to go then we would have to replace him very quickly.”

n Harriers take on Torquay United at home in a Setanta televised league encounter on Thursday, September 4 (7.45pm kick-off).