VERSATILE Harriers man Chris McPhee is relishing being thrown into the fray as a striker.

The 27-year-old has been better known as a midfielder or centre back during his time at Aggborough but has played as a forward in Harriers' first two matches of the new Blue Square Bet Premier campaign.

McPhee started off as a striker as a trainee but his ability to adapt to a number of positions has seen him play everywhere but goal so far in his career.

But Harriers manager Steve Burr has included him as a one of four front men and he will compete with Lee Morris, Nick Wright and Marc Williams for a place in the forward line.

"I'm still a bit rusty at the moment, but I am enjoying playing up front and I am getting better," commened McPhee.

"The manager wants me as a striker and I am happy to play as that.

"I like to be physical and get on the end of things and I won't be afraid to put myself about.

"I've aways set up more goals than I've scored but I would like to score 15 goals or more this season.

"We've got a good combination of forwards: Nick Wright is quick and strong, Lee Morris is neat and tidy and can produce a bit of magic on his left foot, while Marc's just come in and scored on his debut."

With a young squad, McPhee is one of a handful of experienced players who will be vital if Harriers are to succeed this season.

The Exeter-based forward, who trains with Harriers once a week, was captain last season but that mantle was handed to Keith Briggs.

Despite that setback, McPhee he has vowed to continue to lead the way when on the pitch.

"Keith Briggs is captain and I think with all the travelling I have to do it's better to have someone there all the time.

"But I am still vocal and will always be a leader.

"The manager has asked the experienced players to take responsibility and I am getting to the age when I am one of that group."

Despite a host of squad changes over the summer, Burr's troops have gelled well together and got off to a flier with a win at York last week.

Harriers were brought down to Earth with a bump by Tuesday night's 4-3 home loss to Southport, a performance full of attacking flair let down by errors in defence.

But McPhee believes the squad spirit is strong and that all the players are enjoying the manager's attacking ethos.

"It was a strange coming back, it was a week into pre-season because of my newborn baby and we had a new kit and a lot of new players.

"Quite a few of the lads knew each other from previous clubs so I almost felt like I was joining a new club.

"Saying that, the gaffer's done a great job of gelling the lads and there's a great feeling in the squad, it's like we've been playing together for a lot longer than eight weeks.

"There's a lot of banter flying around as well and we're all enjoying ourselves.

"The team's also coming together really well and once we gel a bit more we'll get even better.

"The manager has asked us to express ourselves and I think we've all responded to that.

"We played really well against York and even though we lost to Southport there were a lot of good signs."

Harriers are set to be without injured duo John Finnigan (knee) and Lee Morris (hamstring) for Saturday's home league clash against Mansfield.

Burr will also have to pick between McPhee, Wright and Willliams, who scored on his debut against Southport, for tomorrow's clash.

Like Harriers, the Stags will be aiming to bounce back after they were shot down by Fleetwood 3-0 in midweek.

Mansfield will be without Rob Duffy as he recovers from apendix surgery, while Mark Preece is also a doubt.

Keeper Alan Marriott is set to be available despite being hampered by a back problem.

Shuttle Online will have live match updates for tomorrow's league clash (3pm kick-off).