MATCHWINNER Gareth Sheldon is benefiting from extra training as he bids to get down to his ultimate fighting weight, according to boss Stuart Watkiss.

The former Exeter attacker has been put on an intense exercise regime by the Harriers gaffer who wants to see Sheldon in peak condition to lead his side's Confernece recovery.

That paid dividends in last Saturday's much-needed victory over Morecambe with Sheldon firing in the winning goal to cap his best performance in the red and white of Harriers.

But Watkiss has warned the flame-haired frontman he must start producing the goods week in week out.

"That was easily Gareth's best game in a Harriers shirt and he showed what he's capable of," he said.

"We tried him up front and he took his chance with both hands but we're not going to get carried away by one performance and neither should he.

"It doesn'tmean he's got a divine right to play up there every game, he's got to earn that right by playing well every game."

Watkiss revealed that the 25-year-old Brummie had been prescribed extra training to lose the weight he needs to do himself justice in the Conference.

"I think he could do with losing another half a stone and he knows and understands that," said Watkiss.

"In fairness to Gareth he's been coming in and putting the work in and we've got him on a programme which should see him right."

Sheldon has been challenged by his club manager to rediscover the form that saw him called up for the England Game X1 - non-League football's national team - during his time with the Grecians.

"Gareth is tried and tested at this level and when he's fully fit he can be a handful for defenders, which is why he is an international at this level," said Watkiss, who insists Sheldon is equally at home on the right wing or as an outright striker.

"The first time I saw him as an apprentice he was playing up front for Scunthorpe and although he's played mostly in midfield in the last two seasons he can play well up front.

"He showed that against Morecambe with the way he took his goal, while he offered us a lot more movement and energy than we've had up there for some time."

Meanwhile, two of Harriers young guns have been allowed out on loan in order to toughen themselves up for the Conference.

Jermain Hollis and Russ Penn have both linked up with former Harriers caretaker boss and youth team manager Shaun Cunnington who is now in charge at Alvechurch.

The attacking duo have initially joined the Midland Football Alliance side for a month - with Watkiss saying: "We've sent them out to go and get a bit of experience and to toughen them up a bit.

"They've not had chance to be involved here yet and although they train with us every day they need to be playing on a Saturday."