Brittain's got talent

6:50pm Sunday 24th August 2008

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WINGER Martin Brittain was praised by assistant manager Neil Howarth after he helped to inspire Harriers to a 4-0 win over Altrincham at Aggborough on Saturday.

The Geordie wideman made a dream first start for Harriers in the Blue Square Premier - creating two of the goals and sealing victory with a spectacular solo effort.

Howarth wasn't surprised by the 23-year-old's impact, who used to supply the ammunition for goal-machine Alan Shearer while training as a youngster at Newcastle United.

"It was a little bit nervous until we got the first goal," said Howarth.

"We had done a lot of work on defending and set-pieces this week and Martin Brittain's deliveries are second to none.

"He used to stay behind and work with Alan Shearer. He wanted him putting the crosses in and nobody else, so we know he's quality at set-pieces."

Saturday's victory pulled Harriers out of the relegation zone in the league and the assistant manager believes the win showed the depth of quality in the squad.

Manager Mark Yates had made five changes to the side which had only earned one point from the first three games and the dramatic action paid off in style.

Howarth said: "Since the start of the week I had a feeling because of the way the players trained and their attitude that we were going win.

"I think we've got a strong squad, when last season we only had 11 or 12 players which we could hang our hat on.

"We'd look at the bench sometimes and think that if we made changes then we weren't really strengthening the team but at the moment there's 11 players plus four or five others who we don't really care who plays."

Midfielder Simon Russell left the club on Friday after protracted contracts talks stalled and moved to Harriers' league rivals York City.

"Simon's a popular lad and sometimes you have to do the right thing for the player," added Howarth.

"His contract situation was dragging on longer than we would have liked and he's had the opportunity to move back home."

Harriers now turn their attentions to Monday's league clash away at Burton Albion, who will be aiming to bounce back from the 5-3 loss at Histon.

Yates may shuffle his squad for clash at the Pirelli Stadium.

Shuttle On-Line will have team line-ups and live match updates from just before the 3pm kick-off.