KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' efforts to build up Andy Ducros for the rigours of Nationwide League Division Three football is starting to pay off.

The talented midfielder has found it tough going this term and been on a special programme of extra training in a bid to lift his fitness and dented confidence.

Harriers boss Jan Molby said: "He's fine. He's doing extra training and extra weight training. He's working hard.

"He's on a six week programme and he's now just finished week four. That's what we decided to do. We'll make him stronger and fitter than what he's ever been. Hopefully that will bring back his confidence and away he goes again.

"He lost his confidence because of the way he was playing and we would like to bring him back stronger and fitter because I still believe that in terms of real footballing ability he's the one.

"I think he proved last season what he's capable of, so we have got to get him right."

Twenty-four year-old Evesham-born Ducros, a record £80,000 signing from Nuneaton Borough, used to be on Coventry City's books.

Meanwhile, Molby hopes Harriers will be able to pull off giant-killing act when they visit Chesterfield in the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

He admits, however, that being drawn away has made the task far more difficult for his players.

He said: "I think if it had been at home against Chesterfield you would really have been up for it and saying 'here we go'. But away means it is going to be difficult."