REJUVENATED striker Ian Foster has hailed the new 4-3-3 formation for pulling Kidderminster Harriers out of their early-season slump.

Foster, who hopes last season's injury problems are behind him, has particularly benefited from the new attacking system.

The speedy front-man, who turns 25 on Sunday, forms a three-pronged strike-force with target-man Drewe Broughton and tricky teenager Colin Larkin.

Harriers have produced three good displays in the last two weeks, including Saturday's 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers to leave them five points off the play-offs.

Now the aim is to improve the away form with just one win on their travels so far as they head to Leyton Orient on Saturday (3pm).

Foster said: "We've not had the greatest of starts but we're still in with a chance of making the play-offs and that's a massive boost to the club.

"We've got to take each game as it comes and we'll be going down to Leyton Orient for three points."

Orient have made a marked improvement since Paul Brush replaced Tommy Taylor as boss five games ago.

But they have won just one of their last four fixtures at Brisbane Road and lost 4-1 at Scunthorpe on Saturday.

Foster gave Harriers' own 4-3-3 formation the thumbs-up by stating: "The system is suiting both myself and the team.

"We are working incredibly hard which you have to with three up-front.

"But you don't realise how hard you are working when you are enjoying it. There are so many more options going forward now.

"Hopefully, the injury problems are behind me. I feel the sharpness is back."

But one disappointment for Foster is a three-match ban for the Chesterfield red card, starting with the Darlington FA Cup clash on Saturday, November 17.

Harriers hoped to appeal against his controversial dismissal for violent conduct but the match video did not capture the incident clearly.

Meanwhile, boss Jan Molby hopes to extend the loan of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Larkin whose spell is up after Saturday's game.

Andy Ducros is back in contention after completing a six-week intensive training course designed to sharpen up the playmaker.

Molby is looking at 20-year-old Swansea midfielder Michael Keegan, an ex-England youth international, and former Walsall and Crewe keeper Mark Smith, 28, in the reserve team and in training.

The Dane said: "We are posing teams problems and even a strong defensive side like Bristol Rovers found it very difficult to deal with us."

Harriers expect injury-hit Adie Smith (groin) and skipper Mark Blake (hip) to be available for the weekend.

Young defender Lee Ayres is back in training after breaking his toe at Hull City in late August.

Season ticket holders have until next Thursday to claim their seats for the FA Cup match with Darlington.