KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' nearly men have a crucial chance to impress new boss Stuart Watkiss tonight.

The Coca-Cola League Two strugglers' fringe players are likely to figure in a Worcestershire Senior Cup quarter-final at home to Halesowen Town (7.45).

Watkiss will have seen plenty of them in training but little in match action, apart from last week's Central Conference League reserve win over Telford United.

So 'keeper Danny Lewis, left-back Steve Burton, midfielder Jamie Gleeson and recent signing Chris Beardsley are all tipped to face the Southern League Premier Division side.

The squad is otherwise likely to be filled with youth teamers as Watkiss will be unwilling to risk anyone who could be involved at home to Swansea on Boxing Day.

Suspensions to Simon Weaver, Wayne Hatswell and Dean Keates mean Harriers are currently down to 15 players for the visit of the promotion chasers, leaving Watkiss intent on recruiting before Christmas.

Hatswell, who picked up a second red card of the season in the 2-0 weekend loss at rivals Cheltenham, misses four games.

Halesowen have released ex-Harriers loan striker Richard Burgess to Bromsgrove Rovers and another Aggborough old boy, centre-half Steve Pope, is unavailable tonight due to work.

Pope, a teacher in Stoke, was part of the squad that won the Conference title in 2000.

Ex-Rovers 'keeper Chris Taylor and midfielder Nick Amos will be familiar names for supporters along with winger Alex Cowley who played for neighbours Stourport Swifts.

The winners will face an interesting test against Nationwide North side Redditch United in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, a Harriers move for young Leyton Orient left-back Billy Jones has been scuppered.

Watkiss agreed a free-transfer deal with Orient counterpart Martin Ling but the transfer hit a stumbling block over personal terms.

Frozen

Jones, 21, is frozen out of the picture at Orient this season but has played 72 games since making his debut against Harriers in 2001.

Watkiss wants to give current left-back Jon Beswetherick, who will remain on non-contract terms over the festive period along with Pedro Matias, a wide midfield role.

Finances also prevented the Harriers manager signing Bristol Rovers' out-of-favour forward Richard Walker who was a summer target.

But with Gary Birch, Matias, Ian Foster and Beardsley competing for places up front, the priorities now lie with the defence.

Darryn Stamp, who scored once for Harriers in a recent loan spell, is wanted by both Lincoln City and Conference side Scarborough on a permanent deal.