GARY Whild is hoping to unleash right-back Jared Hodgkiss on Kidderminster Harriers' pre-season opponents very soon.

The experienced former Forest Green Rovers defender has not featured in any of the club's friendlies yet as a precaution while he fully recovers from an Achilles problem.

Hodgkiss, who is one of Kidderminster's most high profile summer additions, has been involved in training but the management team have not wanted risk him making his problem any worse.

Harriers have five pre-season matches left before the start of the Conference Premier on August 9.

They pay a visit to Hednesford Town on Saturday (3pm ko) and are expected to take a strong squad to Stourport Swifts next Tuesday (7.45pm ko) before they tackle Football League sides in their final three friendlies.

The club is expecting a big turn out for their home clash against Birmingham City on July 26 (3pm ko) with the Blues selling out their allocation and requesting more tickets.

On Tuesday, July 29 Shrewsbury come to Aggborough and Harriers conclude their summer games against Cheltenham Town on August 2 (3pm ko).

"Jared's had a slight strain on his Achilles so we've decided to take precautions with him," commented Harriers' manager.

"He's an experienced player who knows the league well and I am confident he will be back before the end of pre-season.

"I have been happy with what I have seen so far in pre-season, we've seen improvements in every game and have tougher games to come."

Harriers drew 1-1 with Stratford Town on Saturday, with Chey Dunkley on target to cancel out Tyrone Fagan's penalty. On Tuesday night, Aman Verma fired The Reds ahead against Stourbridge but Alex Dallison bundled home a leveller.

Former Bristol Rovers youngster Jake Green started both games.