A PLAYER with European Cup experience is among the trialists trying to impress Mark Yates as Kidderminster Harriers face their second pre-season friendly tomorrow.
Harriers host West Bromwich Albion with an earlier noon kick-off and the Baggies, who are also playing a game at Walsall on the same day, are likely to field a mix of experience and youth.
Yates is looking at a string of young players alongside attacking right-back Martin Naylor, 28, released in the summer after four seasons with one of the Welsh Premier League's top clubs, Total Network Solutions. Walsall-born Naylor, a dead-ball specialist, tenacious tackler and the brother of Wolverhampton Wanderers' Lee, played in both games against Liverpool in last season's Champions League qualifiers and also faced Man City in the UEFA Cup in 2003.
He has previous Conference experience with Telford United in the 1999/2000 season and featured in a handful of matches for Shrewsbury Town but his appearances have been restricted by injuries in recent campaigns.
Winger Brian Smikle, 20, who has had spells on loan at Hereford United and Halifax Town, is also likely to feature tomorrow following his release by West Bromwich Albion.
Also on trial at Aggborough are ex-Aston Villa youngster Ashley Edkins, 19, a right-back who played a single game for Boston United last season, and former Wolves midfielder Jordan Fitzpatrick.
Stuart Sinclair, 18, released by Luton Town, and last season's Harriers youth teamers, centre-half Ashley Walker and striker Scott Eaton, join them.
Yates, whose side opened their friendly programme at Gloucester City last night, said: "We've got a number of young pros that have been released by league clubs who we're having a good look at.
"They've come in, worked hard with the rest of the squad and they've got a good spirit about them. We've seen them running, what they can do physically and we've just started to do ball work with them to see how they can play.
"I'm looking forward to playing Albion. I've got a good relationship with Bryan Robson and Nigel Pearson (Albion's boss and assistant-manager) because I did some of my qualifications with them.
"The game has come about because of that and I know the two clubs have a good relationship with their reserves playing at Aggborough.
"Hopefully that will continue this season and they will appreciate what we have done in improving the pitch and making the dressing room area better.
"I'm sure whichever squad they send here will include a few big-hitters and a few of their younger players. They will provide us with a good test."
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