JAN Molby has told Kidderminster Harriers midfield playmaker Neil MacKenzie: "You can be one of the best in Division Three."

MacKenzie, signed on a free transfer after Cambridge United terminated his contract, has quickly won over fans and a regular midfield spot.

But the 24-year-old Brummie was one player to miss gilt-edged chances in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Mansfield Town which left Harriers without a win in five games.

However, manager Molby is backing MacKenzie and his team-mates to break down Hull City's defences at Aggborough on Saturday.

He said: "Neil is a very good player and has the potential to become one of the best in the league.

"He was involved in more play than anyone on the pitch on Tuesday and if you analyse his performance, he was probably our best outfield player.

"Neil got beyond the strikers and even after he missed his first chance, he still got in there and didn't put his head down. I like players like that."

After on-loan Drewe Broughton's debut goal, created by fellow new boy Daire Doyle, Molby admitted Harriers had given away the points on a difficult, rain-hit pitch.

"I said the team who make the fewer mistakes will win and they probably did although at times we do play a high-risk game.

"I would have liked Mansfield to work a bit harder for their goals. But we probably had more shots on and off target than recently. Their keeper was man of the match in my opinion.

"Missing chances is frustrating but all you can do is prepare the players in the best possible way. I can't go on and score for them."

Centre-back Mark Shail is out this weekend through suspension and defender Parfait Medou-Otye is a doubt with a hamstring injury.

Left-back Scott Stamps and forward Stewart Hadley could return to the squad after similar problems but Ian Foster is still missing.

Molby hopes to use target man Broughton, who will move from Peterborough for a £50,000 fee if he continues to impress, more effectively.

He added: "We can afford to get it forward quickly from the back because we have so much ability from the midfield in Adie Smith, MacKenzie and Andy Ducros who cover ground very quickly."

Meanwhile, Stuart Brock was handed the prize for Nationwide Save of the Month for December last week after 20 per cent of fans voted for his double stop at Hull City.

Molby admitted: "It's nice when people get recognition. Stuart's improved but there's still work to be done."

l Harriers are considering whether to allow centre-back Steve Pope to join Aberystwyth Town on loan.

The Welsh side approached with a permanent deal but now want to take a look at the former Crewe Alexandra man on a temporary basis first.

Molby believes he needs to reduce his squad before he makes any further new signings.