MANAGER Mark Yates has hinted that he wants to keep striker Stefan Moore at Kidderminster Harriers for the rest of the season.

Moore has had to wait for his chance to shine at the Aggborough club since he joined in October.

The former Aston Villa hitman has only been on a month-to-month deal but it is hoped he will secure his future at the club for the rest of the campaign.

His current contract comes to an end after Saturday’s home clash against Weymouth and the club is hoping to thrash out a new one next week.

The deal will come as a big lift to the 25-year-old, who has so far been used sparingly as a squad player.

However, Moore staked a strong claim for a first team spot on Tuesday night, when he capped an impressive performance by bagging the final goal in Harriers’ 5-3 win at Ilkeston Town in the second round of the FA Trophy.

Victory at the New Manor Ground ensured Harriers will meet York City at home in round three on Saturday, January 31, after they edged Oxford United 2-1.

Yates has been impressed by Moore’s diligence in training and his good attitude while settling in at Harriers.

“He’s been looking really good in training and I thought he deserved his chance,” commented the manager.

“He was involved in a lot of our good play and I thought he played really well.

“We have a lot of good strikers here and they’re all vying for a place.

“Stefan has done his chances of getting a start against Weymouth no harm.

“He’s been a great professional since he arrived.

“You can tell that he’s from a higher level, as he does everything properly.

“We’re looking to sign him up until the end of the season.”

If Moore signs on the dotted line it will come hot on the heels of left-back Lee Baker’s new 18-month contract with the club.

After watching his side overcome Unibond League side Ilkeston, Yates wants them to keep the goals coming to enhance their promotion hopes in the Blue Square Premier, starting with Saturday’s clash against Weymouth.

The Aggborough team burst into life with five goals in Derbyshire during mid-week, after a fallow period in December.

Yates said: “We were excellent against Ilkeston, we were back to our best in terms of creating chances and scoring goals.

“We’re at our most dangerous when we get at the opposition and play a high-tempo game.

“We want to score more goals and hopefully we are back to our best.”

After several weeks off from league action, Harriers will be hoping to cement their top five place and put the pressure on leaders Burton Albion, who boast a 15-point advantage over them.

Yates believes that his team can still catch the Brewers but it would take a lengthy unbeaten run.

“Burton have a big lead but they can still be caught,” commented Yates.

“I’d love us to finish in the top spot but we are where we are and we have to deal with that.

“We’re right in the mix and must make sure we continue our good form at home.”

Harriers are set to move up to third in the table after promotion rivals Crawley Town were deducted four points for failing to register striker Isaiah Rankin properly.

Harriers are also waiting to hear a new date for their league trip to Ebbsfleet United, which was set to be played on the same date as the FA Trophy tie against York.

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