GURJIT Singh says it's a dream to be given a chance to play full-time football for Kidderminster Harriers.

The 25-year-old is one of a host players who have been plucked from lower down the non-league pyramid and handed his first professional contract.

He was playing in step step five for Tipton Town and despite the Black Country side's struggles at the bottom of the Midlands Premier, he scored 13 goals in 14 games.

He had also bagged 25 goals for Smethwick Rangers and it was his eye for a goal which persuaded manager Gary Whild to sign him.

The switch to full-time football for Singh, who also owns a convenience store, has been a challenge he's enjoyed.

He said: "Pre-season has been tough and taken a big of getting used to having come from part-time football but I am enjoying it.

"We are training five days a week, when you only do it twice a week when you are part-time.

"The sessions are two hours and we did double sessions early on, so it has taken a bit of adjusting to.

"It is a completely different level."

While the likes of Craig Reid and Reece Styche will be expected to lead the line, Harriers are well-stocked with forwards and Singh will be jostling with Reece Hales and Jamie Spencer for a place in the squad for Saturday's opener at home to Grimsby Town.

"Being a professional footballer is every kids' dream, I am just relishing my chance," said the forward.

"A few of the lads have come from part-time football and they've been really great and helped each other through it.

"There is a lot of competition for places and when you see the next guy in training, you want to be doing better than him.

"I just need to keep impressing the manager."

"I am definitely enjoying it, the lads have been brilliant."

"I am just grateful to be given the chance and need to show what I am capable of and step up.

"I have been playing Sunday League football since I was 18 and only started playing on Saturdays three seasons ago and slowly developed over the years."

"Being a professional footballer is every kids' dream, I am just relishing my chance.

"A few of the lads have come from part-time football and they've been really great and helping each other through it.

"There is a lot of competition for places and when you see the next guy in training, you want to be doing better than him.

"I just need to keep impressing the manager."