IYSEDEN Christie has been dubbed Kidderminster's "get out of jail card" by expectant boss Stuart Watkiss as the striker nears the end of his injury hell.

Watkiss is hoping Christie will have a similar impact to the one he made when he managed the burly frontman at Mansfield.

"I think you've seen a couple of 10 minute cameos from him," said Watkiss, referring to Christie's exciting substitute appearances against Macclesfield and Bristol Rovers.

"By the time that I left Mansfield after we got promoted in a struggling team by the start of December he'd got 15 goals.

"We're hoping that he's our get out of jail card."

Watkiss believes the power of the Coventry-born 28-year-old will be a match for anybody in League Two.

"Let me tell you he's an absolute nightmare to play against. He's the strongest centre forward in this divison," he said.

"Centre halves at this level like to wrestle centre forwards. There's not a centre half who will outmuscle him and that's a fact and we need to start seeing that on a Saturday."

Christie sometimes gives the impression of being arrogant and aloof, but Watkiss offers another explanation as to why the striker appears distant.

He added: "Iysden is unique really. He's a bit of a loaner. A lot of people think that he's rude and abrupt but he's not. He's a lad that likes to train and then go home to his family, he's not one to go out on a lads' night."

l STUART Watkiss has revealed his reasons for sticking with Wayne Hatswell as captain - and has appealed for supporters to show the same faith in the out-of-sorts skipper.

Hatswell, who is doubtful for Saturday's trip to Shrewsbury with a knee injury, has struggled for form for large parts of the season.

"I thought about changing the captain, but not seriously," said Watkiss.

"Hats is a good player, he's not reached the heights that he did last year but his attitude and his desire to make himself a better player is great.

"He's a super lad to work with and although he might be having a bit of a rough time all players will go through that at some stage.

"As long as he continues to train and work like he does and helps the other players then I see no reason to change it.

"I don't think there's anyone better for the job at this moment in time."

Watkiss has adopted a softly, softly approach to try and bring the best out of Hatswell who played in a new holding role against his former club Chester last weekend.

"He needs to be talked to and to have an arm put around him," added the manager.

"We've shown him the goals we've conceded and where we think he could've done better and Wayne takes that on board.

"He's trying to get out of a little rut but I think the team is better with him in it.

"If I felt it was best to leave him out for a game or two I would, but let's not write him off too soon."