HEAD coach Matt Gardiner is keen to see Liam Truslove continue his promising progress for Kidderminster Harriers after long-term injury.

The ex-Birmingham City midfielder has been blighted by knee trouble since August, but impressed from the bench in Tuesday’s 2-0 FA Trophy replay victory over Boston United.

“We mentioned a few times about looking to get him back,” said Gardiner. “He has had a good couple of weeks of training and probably one game behind the scenes – we’ve just got to build up his minutes now.

“Even when he came on in the game before last, you could see he looks to get on the ball. If he gives it away he goes and gets it again and keeps you ticking,” said Gardiner.

“Liam is a very good player, a very good finisher and the quicker we get him up to match speed the happier everyone will be.”

Gardiner was also pleased with the way that right-back Tyrone Williams stepped in at short notice against Boston after defender James Pearson fell ill in the warm-up.

“Unfortunately, James had an illness and it was very clear that he wasn’t going to be able to play,” said Gardiner.

“Tyrone stepped in straight away. It was important for him to stay focused and concentrate ahead of getting his chance.

“He came in, we got a clean sheet and he put in a solid performance which was something to build on for the weekend.”

Harriers host Gainsborough Trinity in National North tomorrow (3pm) on the back of one defeat in 13 matches in all competitions – the game against National League AFC Fylde in the FA Cup.

Kidderminster sit one place and two points off the play-off places going into the clash with the sixth-bottom Lincolnshire outfit.