Rangy Ayres joined Harriers as a youth-team player from Walsall but progressed to the reserves after impressing at the heart of the defence.

A big future was predicted for the youngster who signed a two-year deal and made his competitive debut in the tough Worthington Cup tie with Preston.

Impressive in the air, the teenager's first-team journey was cut short by a broken foot at Hull in late August and his appearances were restricted after that.

After figuring at right-back and in midfield in friendlies last season, he then burst onto the scene with an eye-catching League Cup display at Nottingham Forest.

As the games mounted up, Ayres began to struggle though he has been given a short-term deal for the current campaign in which to impress.

League appearances: Harriers (2001/02) 6 games, (02/03) 29/2.

This season: 0 games.

Status: On a month's loan at Tamworth (4 games, 1 yellow card).

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