SECURING the signature of defender Keith Lowe is one of Mark Yates’s top priorities, according to the Kidderminster Harriers manager.

Yates, who is preparing to face big-spending Rushden and Diamonds at Aggborough tomorrow, wants to sign the versatile 22-year-old, who made his debut in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Altrincham.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player joined Harriers on a non-contract basis last Friday but, after two solid performances at right-back, the manager is eager to keep him at the club.

With the deadline for signing players at midnight on Monday, Yates will also be trying to strengthen his squad and may also ship several players out on loan.

“I’m trying to keep Keith because he’s a good player and has played in the Championship,” said Yates.

“When I was at Burnley, we took him from Wolverhampton on loan and he was excellent.

“He’s a big, solid defender but he can play, he’s got quality. I obviously want to keep Keith and it’s something I’ll be talking to the chairman about in the next couple of days.

“I have to speak to the chairman about new players and there are one or two things that may happen but it might mean getting one or two out so we’ll just have to see.”

While Lowe, who was released by Wolves in the summer, was arriving, Harriers stalwart Simon Russell ended his four-year involvement with the club by joining York City.

The 23-year-old, who scored 17 goals in 154 appearances for Harriers, left after failing to agree a new deal.

Harriers will be aiming to show their new-found form is no flash in the pan when Rushden and Diamonds visit in the Blue Square Premier.

The Aggborough side bounced back from a poor start to the season by taking four points over the bank holiday weekend, beating Altrincham and drawing 2-2 at promotion-chasing Burton Albion.

Yates added: “Four points is great because Altrincham were no push-over and Burton were always going to be difficult as well.

“We’ve got to take our good performances and move onto Saturday. We’ve got nothing to fear in this division, there are some strong teams but we have some good players and must make sure we get the best out of them.”