KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are working hard to make sure  Jamille Matt will be available for Saturday's Blue Square Bet Premier clash at AFC Telford.

The club confirmed today that the 23-year-old's enforced exile from football had ended after his application to remain in the country was accepted by the UK Border Agency.

He had been absent from first-team action for nine months after being placed on leave by the club this past February to deal with issues surrounding his eligibility to live and work in the country.

While registered as a player for Harriers, the club is talking to the FA to make sure he is eligible in time for Saturday's derby.

“Everybody at Kidderminster Harriers is absolutely delighted for Jamille, not only the footballer but also a young man who deserves the opportunity to get back to work, doing what he loves," said chairman Mark Serrell.

“He’s been able to train with his team mates over the last few months but is chomping at the bit to get back into the squad and do his bit to help us continue climbing the table.

“It’s been a very hard process for everybody but nobody more than Jamille and we really couldn’t be happier for him.”

Meanwhile, Matt was looking forward to being able to play again and put behind him his ordeal.


"It's been a long time but hopefully I can get back to doing what I love on the pitch and I'm happy," he said.


"I got into a routine of coming in and training and looking forward to games but when that chance to play games is taken away from you, it's very difficult.


"I hit a bit of a brick wall recently and the last couple of weeks have been hard but I had no idea I'd be getting this news within a few days' time!"