KIDDERMINSTER Harriers may go to Scunthorpe United with a patched-up team tomorrow but positive boss Stuart Watkiss still believes they are capable of returning with a result.

A string of first teamers will be given last-minute fitness tests on illness and injuries before the game after a mumps outbreak in the camp.

It is hardly ideal preparation for the trip to the Coca-Cola League Two promotion chasers as Harriers again strive to build on a win following their thrilling 3-1 success at relegation rivals Cambridge United last weekend.

'Keeper John Danby and defender Johnny Mullins are both suffering with the mumps, while a shoulder injury makes midfielder Dean Keates a major doubt as well.

With Watkiss already missing the suspended Tom Bennett and Lee Jenkins, he must also check on the fitness of Gary Birch (knee), Simon Weaver (mumps), Jamie Gleeson (virus), Blair Sturrock (virus), Abdou Sall (knee) and Chris McHale (back) today.

But he insisted: "We still think we are capable of coming back with a result. Scunthorpe are in a little sticky patch.

"If we go there and are scared, we will definitely come unstuck so we must roll our sleeves up for this one.

"I'm actually in a way delighted we're away to a team near the top of the league because I don't think that will allow complacency to set in.

"Isolated wins will not get us out of the trouble we're in. We need to put a sequence together and that's why we're not going to rest on our laurels.

"We have to go three, four or five games unbeaten and then, if we do get beaten, we need to do the same again."

New signing Bertrand Cozic, who switched from Northampton Town on a free transfer in the week, will make his debut in Harriers' midfield.

And Watkiss should give a second start to forward Chris Beardsley who gave a dogged display at Cambridge, scoring one of the goals.

The Harriers manager added: "Chris has deserved his chance. Otherwise, there may be a couple of players playing in unaccustomed positions.

"The injuries and mumps have affected our preparation but we're not going to be using it as an excuse."

Left-back Lee Ridley is banned for Scunthorpe but they will introduce new loan signings, defender Stev Angus from Cambridge and striker Jon Walters from Hull.

They lost 3-2 at Aggborough in mid-October and have only won one of the last eight games but remain four points clear in the final automatic promotion place.