WINGER Simon Brown could give Kidderminster Harriers a timely lift after returning to training -- just as Ian Foster is sidelined.

Brown's last game was against Scunthorpe United in mid-October when Harriers triumphed 3-2 in Coca-Cola Two before a run of five straight defeats.

The 21-year-old, on loan for the season from West Brom, has recovered from a cracked tibia and should make Saturday's trip to Grimsby. But striker Foster, stretchered off in Friday's FA Cup defeat to Port Vale, looks set to be unavailable and goes for an ankle scan soon though an X-ray confirmed no break. Harriers' top scorer with four goals said: "Hopefully, it's just soft tissue damage and I can get back playing as soon as possible."

Fellow forward Iyseden Christie must have a metal plate inserted in the foot he broke back in March to help the healing and will be out until next year.

Meanwhile, Harriers are drawing up a shortlist to find a new manager as chairman Colin Youngjohns returns from holiday. Interviewing is expected to start later this week.