KIDDERMINSTER Harriers assistant manager Neil How-arth has hailed striker James Constable for playing through the pain barrier.

Constable, who scored both of Harriers' goals in their 3-2 FA Trophy final defeat against Stevenage Borough at Wem-bley last month, has gone under the surgeon's knife for a hernia operation.

The 22-year-old, top-scorer with 15 goals last term, suffered discomfort towards the end of last season but waited until after the Wembley date for surgery.

He is expected to be ready for the team's return to pre-season training next month and has received words of praise from Howarth.

Mark Yates' assistant said: "James has had a hernia operation, having played in a lot of pain for the last couple of months of last season.

"But he never grumbled or used that as an excuse if he hadn't played well or hadn't scored. The fact that he was able to play speaks volumes about him."

Meanwhile, Harriers have announced admission prices for their home pre-season matches.

Yates' men will take on FC United, Cheltenham Town and Walsall at Aggborough ahead of the new Blue Sqaure Prem-ier season, which starts on Saturday, August 11.

Prices will be £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for under 16s.

Former Harriers defender Mark Jackson has become the first new signing at Blue Sqaure Premier newboys Farsley Celtic.