SEVERAL Kidderminster Harriers players will be rewarded for impressing caretaker-boss Martin O'Connor tonight.

They will be given a chance to stake their claim for a place and shine for a future new manager -- whether it be O'Connor or a face in the crowd -- at home to Halesowen Town (7.45).

The Worcestershire Senior Cup quarter-final clash will not be a big draw for the Kidderminster public but O'Connor is taking the game very seriously.

Gareth Sheldon, over a hamstring problem, and centre-half Chris McHale, who impressed in a loan spell at Stourport Swifts, will both be back in the line-up.

O'Connor, filling in after Stuart Watkiss was sacked last week, intends to give pitch time to the likes of Gavin Hurren, Wayne Graves and Laurie Wilson as well.

And the former Birmingham City midfielder, who is still playing down any chance of getting the job himself, may even have a run-out following a knee injury.

O'Connor said: "I won't be taking this game lightly as putting out a weak side would be disrespectful to Halesowen and to the cup competition.

"There will be players back from injury who need first-team games, those pushing for first-team places and youngsters who need the experience.

"These players need to impress me and any future manager who might be watching in the crowd.

"Chris McHale deserves a chance as he has trained very well during my time here and did well at Stourport.

"To be fair to the lads, since the decision was made about Stuart, their attitude has been superb in training and around the club.

"I might give myself half-an-hour if the game's going well but it's more about the players working for a place in Saturday's team for the FA Trophy match and to stay at Kidderminster."

Striker or right winger Sheldon is one such player to catch the eye of O'Connor who was yesterday ensuring all the loan signings can take part tonight against Southern League Premier Division mid-table side Halesowen.

Burnley youngster Marc Pugh has returned to his club though after a promising one-goal spell which ended in Saturday's 2-0 Conference defeat at Accrington.

O'Connor explained: "He picked up a hamstring pull which is likely to knock him back two or three weeks."

Centre-half and skipper Mark Jackson may be one player rested tonight due to a groin strain.

Halesowen are captained by ex-Harriers defender Steve Pope.

Meanwhile, O'Connor insisted he is only worried about winning games at the moment.

He added: "It's a day-to-day thing for me. As long as I am still involved, I will put out a team to win games."