WHEN Chris McPhee hobbled off against Luton Town last weekend, Kidderminster Harriers boss Mark Yates was fearing the worst.

His newly-appointed skipper was left clutching his ankle following Rossi Jarvis’ reckless tackle, a challenge which earned the Hatter a red card.

The versatile former Brighton player has become an integral part of the Aggborough side since arriving from Weymouth in February.

With another important cog of the Harriers machine out today — Robbie Matthews has begun a three-match ban following his sending off in the Luton match — Yates is relieved that McPhee only has bruised rather than torn ankle ligaments.

Yates said: “Chris is a lot better than we anticipated, but he won’t be back against Crawley today.

“We will have to see how long exactly he will be out for, but this match is too early.

“We will continue to assess and work with him in the early part of next week, but he keeps telling me he is a quick healer.

“It could be that he will be fit for the FA Cup next week, or the league game at Cambridge the week after. At worst, it will be a couple of weeks.”