CAPTAIN Josh Gowling is ready to give Harriers' play-off boost a big push.

The influential centre back has missed the last six weeks as he recovers from injured medial knee ligaments.

But after hard work with club physio Gavin Crowe and a week spent at St George's Park, he's ready for Saturday's top six clash against Eastleigh (3pm ko).

The former Gillingham player is still a member of the PFA, who paid for the 29-year-old's time at the FA's multi-million pound centre of football.

He said: "The facilities at St George's were fantastic. You stay over and work with the people there, who have access to cutting edge equipment.

"It was a good week of hard work, my big worry was turning but the work down there has been a big help.

"It has been frustrating to be out for so long but it's important to use the time well.

"I always say to players when they miss out on the squad they should watch the game carefully and see what they can learn.

"It's the same for me, I've been out for six weeks and hopefully there have been a few areas I can help improve."

Harriers, who are fifth in the Vanarama Conference, face sixth-placed Eastleigh in a game vital for their play-off hopes.

The Hampshire side edged out Kidderminster 1-0 in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round and boast the likes of former Harriers hitman James Constable.

But Gowling is keen for Harriers to bounce back from their 1-0 loss at Chester and also arrest a four-game losing streak at Aggborough.

He added: "I hope I am an important player and I consider myself someone who is a big game player.

"There's still so much to play for and now we're entering the final stretch of the season, so hopefully I can help the team.

"It was disappointing to lose to Eastleigh as we wanted a run in the cup. They have a good-sized budget and built a good squad but we'll want to win the game.

"We also want to end our poor run at home, we've got a good record at Aggborough and it doesn't matter what the pitch is like we have to start winning on it."

Gowling also paid tribute to former skipper Kyle Storer, who exited the club by mutual consent because of a contract issue and since signed for Wrexham.

He added: "I used to car pool in from Coventry with Lee Vaughan and Kyle Storer.

"He was a big character and came and said his goodbyes at a meal with some of the lads. He left lots of friends at the club.

"Kyle's gone because of a contractual issue and Wrexham have got themselves a quality player but that's football.

"But we are only focused on looking forward and the manager is driving us on."

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