STRIKER Ian Foster is winning his race to be fit for when Kidderminster Harriers report back for pre-season training on Monday week, July 9.

The 24-year-old missed most of last term because of a nagging hamstring injury, but is now on course to make a full recovery.

Harriers physio Jim Conway said: "There's still a slight problem there, but I'm confident he'll be back in training when the lads return from their summer break.

"He has been working through the summer to get fit and there is now a light at the end of the tunnel.

He has been running short and long distances on a daily basis and, fingers crossed, there has been no adverse reaction."

The injury restricted Foster to just 16 first team appearances last season when he scored three goals.

Meanwhile, Preston manager David Moyes has told his players that their Worthington Cup trip to Aggborough in August will not be easy.

Preston will be looking to avenge the shock 1-0 defeat inflicted on them by Harriers in the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1994 - a match in which Moyes played.

He said: "I think it's a really tough draw. You always hope for a home draw, especially against the lower league sides and it's a hard game for us.

"I have bad memories of the last time I went there as a player, but the team and the club has changed an awful lot since that period and we go there hopeful of getting a positive result.

"But, with the competition now a one-off game - which I am in favour of - you have to be on good form because there is no second leg to redeem yourselves."