BOSS Jan Molby is full of praise for his transfer-listed players at Kidderminster Harriers - but midfielder Barry Horne has left Aggborough under a cloud.

Harriers have responded to Molby's back-to-basics call with two goal-less draws in a row against play-off hopefuls Rochdale and Scunthorpe.

Tim Clarke, Paul Webb, Dean Bennett and Tony Bird - all available for transfer - played leading roles in both games which saw the club shake off three defeats in succession.

But former Welsh international captain Horne's contract was terminated last week after 34 games for the club and the PFA chairman could take the case to a tribunal.

Harriers are keeping tight-lipped about the situation but PFA chief Gordon Taylor told a national newspaper that if clubs could give two weeks' notice to players, then the same should apply in reverse.

The transfer-listed players still at Aggborough, however, have given Molby food for thought as he prepares his troops for Saturday's home game with relegation-threatened Darlington.

He said: "The injury to Adie Smith has opened the door for Webb and Stuart Brock needed a break in goal so Clarke is playing.

"Benno was always going to play the majority of the games, while Bird has come in and from a physical point of view given more than your Ian Bogie, Andy Ducros or Neil MacKenzie.

"He wins tackles, headers and although not as good a passer, he competes and has unbelievable fitness. He was unlucky to be taken off on Tuesday.

"Certainly, Paul Webb has done well for us in the last few games, giving us that bit extra with his strength and aerial ability."

Their presence is all the more important with MacKenzie seeing a specialist after a scan revealed damage to his knee cartilage.

Molby, who is still hoping to sign MacKenzie beyond this season, admitted: "He might need a little operation or we may be able to deal with it through ice treatment."

While striker Ian Foster is still recovering from hamstring trouble, Adie Smith is nearing a return after a groin injury.

Bennett took a knock to his knee against Scunthorpe but is expected to be fit for Saturday.

If results do not go well against Darlington and at Shrewsbury on Tuesday, Molby may consider using a loan before next Thursday's transfer deadline.

He wants his side to pick up the points needed to steer clear of the bottom of the table.

Molby added: "Darlington are fighting for their lives. We need to get five points on the board as quickly as we can.

"There's nothing wrong with clean sheets but there's no doubt in attacking terms we have to produce more. We want the players to open up more.

"We are not going to make a lot of changes, just one or two.

"Darlington were favourites for promotion at the start of the season. We beat them for their first home defeat and it's gone from bad to worse for them.

"They have good players but a number of their better players have left. But they have signed Kirk Jackson from Worksop who scored on his debut.

"They also have a lively front-man in Clint Marcelle and one of the best centre-halves in the division in (Craig) Liddle."

Harriers' impressive pitch, tended by Mick Young, is one of three highly commended by the Football League.