KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have injury doubts over defenders Adie Smith and Lee Ayres for tonight's Worthington Cup first round clash against Division One Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (7.45).

Smith is suffering from hamstring trouble while Ayres has a knee injury.

Checks on their fitness will be made before Harriers finalise their side which will again be without giant central defender Abdou Sall and midfielder Dean Bennett who are both sidelined with ankle injuries.

A stomach bug which has plagued Aggborough this week is not expected to reduce Harriers resources any further.

Kidderminster go into the match as rank outsiders against a Forest side who have won the cup on four previous occasions.

Aggborough boss Ian Britton said: "We know that we face higher class opposition and we will go out to enjoy ourselves.

"Forest will have to play slightly below par and we'll have to play well if we are to get the right result. Nobody is expecting us to win so you never know."

Britton accepts Harriers will have to play far better than they did in Saturday's goalless Nationwide League Division Three draw with Boston United at Aggborough 'or we are going to be beaten for sure'.

He added: "But if the players can't lift themselves for this game then they shouldn't be playing."

Harriers have been knocked out in the first round in each of their two previous seasons as a League club, firstly by Walsall and then Preston.

Tonight, however, they will be facing a Forest side weakened by injuries.

Marlon Harewood is suffering from a deal leg while veteran ex-England defender Des Walker is laid low by a virus. Former Aston Villa campaigner Riccardo Scimeca is also ruled out with a sore hamstring, while striker Eoin Jess is unlikely to be risked after picking up a groin strain in last month's 1-0 victory over his old club Coventry City.

Forest will also be without Jon Olav Hjelde, who is banned for the red card he received in last month's 2-1 defeat at Walsall.

FORMCAST: Harriers to bow out after suffering a 3-0 defeat.