KIDDERMINSTER Harriers midfielder Jack Byrne says he would love to repay boss Steve Burr for giving him his chance in full-time football by making their play-off dream a reality.
Twelve months ago, Byrne had just made the switch from Redditch United but he has since become a key part in Harriers squad.
Despite slipping out of the top five after last weekend’s draw with Luton Town, they still lie level on points with fifth-placed Fleetwood having played one game more.
The sides will meet in potential make-or-break contest at Aggborough on Friday, April 22.
“I am grateful for every opportunity I get in football and I will always thank the gaffer for giving me the chance to come to the club,” said the 21-year-old.
“The way he encourages us to play football as helped my game, on an individual basis, and I think that’s the same with most of the lads.
“I hope I can repay him by helping us to get into the play-offs.”
Byrne impressed as a substitute last week in his first competitive action since a sending off against Darlington on February 22 resulted in a four-game ban.
He will be pushing for a start in today’s match at Grimsby Town.
Striker Lee Morris, however, will be ruled for a couple of weeks with a groin injury sustained in training.
n CHARLIE Blakemore vowed Chasetown will ‘keep fighting tooth and nail’ to force their way into play-off contention in the final four weeks of the season.
The Scholars move into seventh place in the Evo-Stik Premier table after Wednesday night’s win at Mickleover Sports and today they travel to Frickley Town.
Boss Blakemore accept they are dark horses in the race for the top five but they are looking to win as many of the six games they have left.
“We are the outsiders but we have got to keep winning game and see where that leaves us,” he said.
“The pressure is on the teams above us but we are still in the mix.
“We’ve still got the chance to turn a good season into a great one.”
The Scholars will also be boosted with the return to fitness of Dave Egan, Dean Perrow and Matty Cohen.
Midfielder Egan, in particular, has been a big miss for the Scholars after breaking his wrist back in February.
