YOUNG midfielder Simon Heslop has provided Kidderminster Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss with a much-needed pick-me-up.

Heslop, a loan signing from Coca-Cola League One outfit Barnsley, has agreed to spend an extra month at Aggborough and will stay until the end of October.

Watkiss was set to field the 18-year-old from the start at Gravesend & Northfleet today in one of at least several changes in a bid to reverse their current Nationwide Conference slide.

Harriers suffered disappointing defeats to Forest Green and then Halifax in mid-week which was the worst way to start an important fortnight of games for the club.

A trip to Crawley Town follows on Tuesday before Harriers aim to improve their Aggborough fortunes against Tamworth, including old favourites Adie Smith and Scott Stamps, next Saturday.

Heslop has already shown a keen eye for a cutting pass and is not afraid to dig in, although an ankle injury restricted him to two starts and three substitute appearances before today.

Meanwhile, Gary Barnett -- former Harriers number two to Jan Molby and then to Watkiss last season -- is pursuing the Newport County manager's job.

John Cornforth was relieved of the post after only picking up four points from the first seven games of their Nationwide South campaign.

Barnett, who led Barry Town to Welsh Premier League success before joining Harriers, said: "As soon as I heard that the job was available I knew I would have to apply straight away because it's a fantastic challenge.

"This is the first time for a long time that I have not been involved with a football club and I'm finding it quite hard.

"I haven't been in direct contact with the club but I have sent them my CV, because I'd love the challenge of reversing the fortunes of such a great club."

Harriers' LDV Trophy first round game at home to Darlington is on Tuesday, October 18 (7.45pm).