HARRIERS boss Steve Burr has revealed that midfielder David McDermott is closing in on a return to action.

The 22-year-old has had to endure a nine-week absence after being laid low by a stomach ulcer, which left him hospitalised.

However, the former Walsall man returned to light training last week and was close to be included in Harriers' squad for Monday's Worcestershire Senior Cup clash at Worcester.

Burr commented: "David has been training with us this week. He almost played a few minutes against Worcester but our physio Gavin [Crowe] felt that it being a derby it would be better if he didn't.

"But he was up for playing and hopefully it will only be a matter of time before he's back to full fitness."

McDermott's availability would be a big boost for Harriers' manager as the small squad will be tested by 18 games in the space of 11 weeks.

They could also add to their fixture pile-up by beating Oxford in the FA Trophy and booking their place in a two-legged semi-final in March.

Added to this, the club will also be contesting the Worcestershire Senior Cup final against either Stourbridge of Halesowen.

Despite a hectic period coming up, Harriers' manager is not expecting to increase the size of his playing staff as he must loan players out and get them off the wage bill before bringing anyone in.

He may also have to find a new striker as Damian Spencer's short-term loan comes to an end in a fortnight.

The striker, who is eager to play at Harriers, would have to talk to parent club Kettering about cancelling his contrast at Rockingham Road, which would allow him to join the Aggborough outfit as a free agent.

Burr commented: "It's unfortunate that we can't keeper Damian any longer than 17 days but the arrangement of the short term deal means we can't "If he could come to some agreement with Kettering and he was a free agent, we'd see. I think Kettering are paying him big wages so we'll have to see what happens."

The situation at Chester may also put Harriers back on the alert for defender Rhys Meynell.

Meynell, who has worked with Burr at Stalybridge, has served two-weeks notice to terminate his contract with crisis-hit City, which would make him a free agent. Although, Burr may well wait until the summer to make a move, if he wants to bring him in.

Harriers' manager is set to discuss his plans with Harriers' board next week as the loan window reopens.

Overall, Burr believes won't be making any drastic changes to his squad for the rest of the season.

"I think the players are really taking on board what I am saying and it's just taking time for it all to settle in.

"I think I've had a look at everybody now. I thought Darryl Knights did well against Worcester we gave people like Tom Sharpe run out. I am very happy with the players I have here."

Harriers' manager now turns his focus to Harriers' Blue Square Premier clash at home to relegation battling Forest Green Rovers on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

He has a full-strength squad to choose from, with winger Marc Goodfellow set to make his home debut.

Saturday's visitors to Aggborough are fourth from bottom and come into the clash on the back of two defeats and their six-pointer against Chester called off at the last minute last Tuesday.

But Harriers' manager believes that you can never discount the battle-hardened perennial relegation battlers.

Burr said: "One thing I know about Forest Green is that they will fight to keep their place in this division.

"They've been in situations when they looked as though they might be relegated and got themselves out of it or been reprieved.

"And you can be sure that they will be fighting for everything on Saturday, so it's going to be a tough test."

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