SUMMER signing Michael Blackwood faces a fight against a mumps outbreak to make his competitive Kidderminster Harriers debut tomorrow.

The tricky ex-Worcester City winger, who has shown glimpses of his silky skills during pre-season, trained yesterday but was feeling the effects of the virus.

Young fringe player Russ Penn was hit by the bug last week and now Blackwood, who would be a likely starter at home to Woking on the left flank, is struggling.

Boss Stuart Watkiss is otherwise sure of his first 11 although he admitted his players were still adapting to the ideal formation, an attacking 4-3-3 system.

Watkiss said: "I know there's been debate among the fans about this but the formation we've used is meant to be a 4-3-3 which I see as positive.

"What I want is the two wide front men staying up a lot more than they have been. With a four-man midfield, they naturally have to do defensive duties but now it's up to them to stay up there. It will take time to get used to."

Target man Taiwo Atieno, signed this week on a five-month loan from Walsall, may well fit into the system alongside big goal hope Iyseden Christie and one other player, possibly Gareth Sheldon, Simon Russell or Lee Thompson.

Watkiss continued: "It's been good to get Tai in. He started training yesterday morning and looked a handful which is great.

"It will take him a little while to find his feet but he'll definitely be in the 16 for Saturday. We now have the option of going with two natural centre-forwards."

There is certainly plenty of history between Kidderminster and Woking with just one of the memories being a 1990 FA Cup first round tie that went to two replays before the Surrey side triumphed 2-1.

The two sides met again in the competition during the 2003/04 season with Harriers emphasising the then-gap between the two sides by winning easily 3-0. But times have changed.

Watkiss admitted: "We are not going into the Conference season blind but we are a little bit unsure as to where the other teams are at with their preparation.

"We know Woking are going to be there or thereabouts. They're a big, strong and organised side who can play a little bit as well. In Karl Murray, they have probably one of the best central-midfield players in the division.

"It's going to be hard but it's a game I believe that we can win. However, like last year, if we are not quite right or off the pace, we won't."

Watkiss is also tipping Stevenage, Hereford, Exeter, Aldershot, Grays, Accrington and Morecambe to be the teams to beat in the Conference.

Ex-Kidderminster striker Mark Rawle -- who opted for a summer move to Woking -- is an injury doubt with a hamstring problem.

Rawle said: "It would be massively disappointing for me to miss the Kidderminster game, not just because they were my old club but because I want to play the first match and get a good start for my new club."