KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are in the grip of a selection crisis ahead of Saturday's trip to Scunthorpe with the worst case scenario of being down to just 13 available players.

Harriers' senior playing squad of 22 is stretched to the limit with John Danby and Johnny Mullins extremely doubtful following an outbreak of mumps at Aggborough.

Midfielders Lee Jenkins and Tom Bennett definitely miss the trip to Glanford Park through suspension, along with long-term casualties Reuben Hazell and Iyseden Christie, who despite resuming training this week are still some way off returning to action.

With none of those six expected to line up against Scunthorpe, boss Stuart Watkiss also has serious concerns over Blair Sturrock, Simon Weaver and Jamie Gleeson who are all laid low with viruses.

That would leave Harriers with just rookie goalkeer Daniel Lewis and 12 available outfield players for the trip to the League Two high-flyers.

Of those, Gary Birch and Dean Keates will play through the pain barrier with shoulder and knee problems, while Chris McHale (back) and Abdou Sall (knee) are also nursing knocks.

"It's not an ideal situation, that's for sure, but we'll just have to get on with it," he said.

"We'll just have to wrap everyone up in cotton wool and have a roll call on Friday to see who we've got available.

"By Saturday we'll have a gameplan and we'll expect the 11 that take the field and the five subs to stick to it and get a result."

One player Harriers will be able to count on figuring in Saturday's match is new midfielder Bertrand Cozic who arrived this week after being released by Northampton.

Watkiss was pleased to land the Frenchman, formerly of Cheltenham and Hereford, saying: "He is very fit and athletic and gets about the pitch and he's not bad on the ball.

"He will give us something different to what we've already got and he'll definitely be involved on Saturday."

Harriers round-up -- Page 110.