HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling said his squad was ‘thin’ due to injuries ahead of their Boxing Day clash against local rivals Kidderminster Harriers.

Gowling would not reveal if Jared Hodgkiss would return against his former side while Kennedy Digie has been working with the physio and was going to be assessed on Thursday.

Dan Jones missed training on Tuesday and was also going to be assessed on Thursday.

Gowling said whilst the squad available was ‘thin’ there is versatile players who can cover different positions.

“It is what it is, when we pick up injuries in the squad it affects us more that a lot of squads because of how small our squad is,” said Gowling.

“It is what it is and we’ve got players like Dylan (Jones) who came in on Saturday and put in an excellent performance at right-back.

“We’ve got players who can fill in at different positions. That’s what will have to happen on Boxing Day.”

Gowling predicts a close game decided by fine margins as second placed Kidderminster will be hoping to boost their promotion push.

He added that a host of his players will be looking to beat their former employer.

“I played there, Steve Burr managed there,” added Gowling.

“I think (Jamie) Grimes, Kennedy (Digie), Jarred (Hodgkiss), James (McQuilkin) and there’s more than that have had affiliations with Kidderminster.

“When you play against your former clubs you always want to beat your former club. It gives it a bit more bite to the game for them lads, myself and Steve (Burr) to make sure we get the result and the victory.

“They are a good footballing side and we expect them to come and play but I think we’ll be one of the best footballing sides in the league this year.

“I’ve no doubt that we’ll match that so it will be fine margins.”