NEW signing Marc Pugh looks set to be given a baptism of fire in a potentially bruising encounter at Stevenage Borough tomorrow.

But inconsistent Kidderminster Harriers' latest addition goes into the Conference encounter with a glowing endorsement from an influential figure at his own club Burnley.

Striker or right winger Pugh, a third-year scholar at the Championship club, has been snapped up by Stuart Watkiss on a work experience loan deal, initially for a month. Ex-Harriers midfielder Mark Yates, reserve-team coach at Burnley, speaks highly of the 18-year-old as does his head of youth development Vince Overson.

Though Pugh is still primarily a youth-team player with 15 goals from 11 games this season, he has scored in the reserves and should cope with the Conference, according to Overson.

Former Birmingham City defender Overson said: "He has beefed up this year. All of the lads are on a weights programme, but Pughy in particular seems to have come on in leaps and bounds.

"He's stronger, quicker and he's banged a few goals in and become more and more confident the more the goals have gone in.

"He's very quick, very direct and very powerful and he's relishing playing up front now."

Pugh, who is 5ft 11ins, made the Burnley bench without appearing in the Carling Cup against Carlisle and Aston Villa.

Watkiss said: "Mark couldn't speak highly enough of this young lad so it's great to have someone here who's so highly thought of.

"He has done ever so well at their youth and reserve levels and, rightfully so, Mark and Steve Cotterill are very keen for him to get some first-team experience and get a few games under his belt."

Pugh joins fellow loan players Taiwo Atieno, Simon Heslop and Johnny Mullins at Aggborough in the squad to tackle fifth-placed title-chasers Stevenage who are unbeaten at home.

Mid-table Harriers' rivals Hereford are the only side to avoid defeat at Broadhall Way, holding Graham Westley's powerful outfit to a 0-0 stalemate on September 10.

But both sides have their injury problems with Harriers likely to be without midfield duo Martin O'Connor (knee) and Simon Russell (broken wrist) as well as Gareth Sheldon (hamstring).

Watkiss, expecting the toughest away test yet, may move Simon Heslop into his favoured central-midfield position, while Michael Blackwood is pushing for a left-flank return after injury.

Stevenage have a massive injury list but still boast a potent attack which includes ex-Harriers loan signing Darryn Stamp.