WAYNE Thomas is set to return to action as Kidderminster Harriers search for their first home win of the season in the National League North against Stalybridge Celtic.

The veteran former Stoke defender is expected to be available for Saturday’s home clash after recovering from a groin injury sustained in pre-season, as well as serving a two-match ban.

Rob Stambolziev has shaken off a knock but Jared Hodgkiss, who picked up a foot injury in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Chorley, is a doubt.

Jordan Tunnicliffe will have a knock picked up in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win at Nuneaton assessed.

Harriers will go into theAggborough clash on a high after a flowing display in Warwickshire and will be keen to record three points in Wyre Forest.

Head coach Matt Gardiner also felt a repeat of Tuesday’s performance would help yield a Kidderminster win after dropping points against Brackley and Chorley.

He said: “We have played against two well-organised teams at home. The players have worked very hard and I don’t think anyone can fault them and a win will come.

“We have to keep playing as we are, moving the ball well and if we do that then we’ll win games.

“It’s early days but it’s never easy and we’ve got a hard game against Stalybridge.”

Harriers moved up to fourth in the table and face a wounded Celtic team who have lost three games in a row.

“It’s too early to say if we’re contenders. We’re are at home next and we’ve got to make sure we stay on message and the lads express themselves as they can,” he added.

“We have kept back-to-back clean sheets and we have the players to hurt teams.

“We have to keep doing the right things, have belief and listen to the gaffer and we’ll win games.”

Meanwhile, Harriers have signed centre back Richard Sho-Silva and loaned him to Halesowen Town.

Academy product Nathan Millichamp is set to face Hereford in the FA Cup after being sent on loan to Alvechurch for a month.