STRIKER Ryan Rowe is close to being unleashed on Skrill Premier defences, believes Kidderminster Harriers boss Andy Thorn.

The manager has been impressed by the attitude of the hitman in training since his return from a loan spell at Stourbridge in January.

Harriers will be aiming to get back on track in the league on Saturday when they take on struggling Lincoln City at Sincil Bank (3pm ko).

The Carpetmen are down to ninth in the table, four points off the play-offs but with games in hand on Halifax, Nuneaton and Gateshead above them.

With last week's top of the table clash at home to title-chasing Cambridge United called off on Thursday and then Saturday because of a waterlogged pitch at Aggborough, Thorn is keen for a return to action.

He said: "Ryan Rowe has shown a great attitude in training, he looks really lively and up for it and it's been great to see.

"He's getting on well with the lads and is someone who is pushing to be in and around the first team squad."

Rowe's possible return to first team action is a turn around in fortunes for the Cookley-based striker.

His future at the club looked in jeopardy last summer when he was sent on loan after a disappointing pre-season.

Thorn added: "It was frustrating not to be able to play against Cambridge but it may have done us a favour.

"It has given us some more time to work with the players on what we want from them in an attacking sense.

"When I came on board we didn't have a lot of time to work on things because of the number of games we had.

"Also, we played Sunderland and Peterborough which meant we were set up a certain type of way.

"But the players are taking on board what we want."

With the loan window now open, Thorn confirmed he is always on the look out for players to improve the squad but was generally happy with the strength.

Meanwhile, Harriers are set to face a fixture backlog because of their run to the FA Cup fourth round and recent cancellations.

The club's away trip to Aldershot Town has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 18 (7.45pm).

The clash at home to Richard Money's Cambridge side will now be played on Tuesday, April 15 (7.45pm ko).

Thorn said: "Sometimes when you've got a lot of games in a small space of time then it can be a good thing. If we can get on a roll we will have momentum."

l Fans unable to attend the clash can follow the action with The Shuttle's live match updates from Saturday's 3pm kick-off, as well as reports and reaction.