DEFENDER Ian Clarkson believes Kidderminster Harriers need have no fears about what to expect in the Football League if they clinch promotion from the Nationwide Conference.

"The club seems to be on a sound footing and, as a team, it would hold its own," said the 29-year-old former Birmingham City captain.

"When you look at some of the teams in the Third Division like Chester who are struggling I'm sure Kidderminster could beat the likes of them quite comfortably."

Since making his debut for Harriers against Telford United last November, the experienced Clarkson has helped play an important part in the Aggborough outfit's determined push for promotion.

He said: "I've not seen any easy games yet since I've been here and all matches at this stage of the season are difficult, particularly away. You get bobbly pitches, people get anxious and everybody tries to beat you because you are up there at the top.

"Sometimes you don't play well but it's important you always get something even if it's only a point out of the games."

Former Northampton Town campaigner Clarkson had the chance of going to Nuneaton Borough but decided to join Jan Molby's men.

"It looks like I made the right choice. It's very enjoyable here and it's a cracking set-up. The football that the team play is smashing at times.

"The gaffer is top class and I'm enjoying it. There are some good young players at the club working hard and it's going well at the moment.

"The side is good enough to get in the Football League and, of all the teams I've seen in the Conference, there's no-one better than us as a football playing side.

"I've seen teams who will try and out-muscle us, which has sometimes worked to a degree, but overall we've been the best side in."