KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss has allayed fears about Iyseden Christie facing another long-injury lay-off by revealing that the striker could be fit for the Bank Holiday double header, writes Mat Kendrick.

The Aggborough rumour mill went into overdrive after the former Mansfield forward missed last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Scarborough with an infecton in the problem foot which sidelined him for most of last season.

There were fears he could be out for months, but Watkiss rates Christie's chances as 60/40 to feature in Saturday's clash with Southport and Monday's trip to Cambridge.

"It's still early days with Iysden but we're hopeful of him being fit for the weekend," said Watkiss.

"He's had an infection in the bad foot, in and around where he had the plate fitted, but it looks like it's responding to antibiotics. I've been pleased with Iyseden so far. I still think he's got a long way to go to be the player he was at Mansfield but he is important to us and we did miss him at Scarborough."

Watkiss believes Harriers' displays so far deserved seven points rather than four. And he reckons a four-point haul would be a decent return from their next two games.

First up are Southport, who bounced back from a 3-1 defeat at Dagenham and a 4-1 home loss to York with a 3-2 victory over Stevenage on Saturday.

Central defensive duo Mark Jackson and Daryl Burgess have been given the all-clear to line up against the Sandgrounders after positive scans on respective foot injuries.

Terry Fleming is also back on board after his baby son was discharged from hospital following a serious illness. The midfielder was granted compassionate leave to miss the trip to Scarborough.

Wayne Graves is available despite suffering a slight hamstring strain, but Michael Blackwood's hamstring problem will rule him out at least until next Friday's home clash with Canvey Island.

Chris McHale is making slow progess with his recovery from a broken foot.

On Monday, Harriers visit fellow relegated club Cambridge, who beat title favourites Hereford 2-1 and Accrington Stanley 3-1 following their opening day defeat at Forest Green Rovers.

Watkiss is still in the hunt for another striker and a left-sided midfielder but with the transfer window coming into force next Wednesday he is running out of time to recruit reinforcements.

Even if the boss can identify specific targets quickly, there is still doubt over whether finances are available to strengthen the squad. Watkiss was believed to have been scouting a player when Barnsley reserves played Sheffield Wednesday last night.