DEAN Bennett is in contention for a place in Kidderminster Harriers' side for tonight's Nationwide League Division Three clash against Lincoln City at Sincil Bank (7.45).

He has been on the sidelines since February 22 because of hamstring trouble.

The former Bromsgrove Rovers campaigner is standing by to take over from midfielder John Melligan who misses tonight's game and Saturday's match at relegation-threatened Macclesfield Town.

The Dubliner is included in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad for their UEFA Championship qualifiers against Georgia in Tbilisi on Friday and Albania in Tirana on April 1.

The 21-year-old loanee from Wolverhampton Wanderers made his international debut last month when he was introduced as a substitute against Scotland.

Aggborough boss Ian Britton said: "It's a great honour for him to be called up by his country but it's a real blow for the club that he will miss two games. He has done well for us this season and he deserves his accolade but it's frustrating."

Harriers are hoping on-loan defender Wes Morgan will be able to play after suffering a back injury during the first half of last Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Swansea City.

Britton said: "It looks like a spasm type of injury, so we won't know what his chances are until nearer the game. We would like to have him in there, because you can see he's a good player.

"I've already asked Nottingham Forest about extending his loan until the end of the season and I'm waiting to hear back."

Harriers, who drew 1-1 at home with Lincoln on the opening day of the season, go into tonight's match in ninth place, one point away from a play-off place and four adrift of an automatic promotion spot.

Lincoln are one place and one point behind Harriers who are expecting a tough test tonight.

Britton said: "It will be batten down the hatches to be honest. The can even throw the ball longer than some of my players can kick it. They just get the ball from anywhere.

"But all games are difficult now. It doesn't matter who we play. On our day we'll beat anybody and there are other days like last Saturday. I'm not really bothered whether it's against top or bottom teams."

FORMCAST: Another 1-1 draw with The Red Imps is on the cards.