KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have agreed terms with Hull City midfielder Dean Keates.

It is hoped the deal will be completed in time for the 24-year-old to make his debut in tonight's Nationwide Lea-gue Division Three clash with Cheltenham Town at Aggborough (7.45).

Keates has agreed a contract which will keep him at Harriers until the end of the 2004-05 season.

"I am delighted that Dean has agreed to sign for us," said Aggborough director of football Jan Molby, who snapped up Keates when he was in charge at Hull.

"He is a player that has got a lot of experience of playing at a higher level and that was one of the reasons we have signed him. He's a tough tackler but has an eye for a pass.

"He's a player I have a lot of time for, not only is he a good player but he is a great character to have around the place.

"He will add bite and creativity to our midfield and that's something I think we need at the moment."

Keates joined Hull in August 2002 and played 47 games for them, after spending seven years at Walsall where he made over 200 appearances.