KIDDERMINSTER Harriers new keeper Scott Bevan is fighting fit and raring to go after the severe kidney injury that almost cost him his life.

Bevan insists he is in good shape and looking forward to a second chance despite having the organ removed following an on-pitch collision.

He was playing for Tamworth earlier this year when a challenge with Forest Green Rovers striker Julian Allsop left him in a critical condition.

"I was in absolute agony," said Bevan, who played on for five minutes thinking he'd cracked his ribs, but spent the next week in hospital.

"They normally try and save a kidney if they can but they were finding bits of mine over the other side of my body.

"I've only got one kidney now, but one can work just as well as two and I'm feeling good now.

"I lost an awful lot of blood at the time because of internal bleeding. The surgeon said to me as I was recuperating that I'm lucky I'm as fit as I am because I was quite close to death.

"It was that which made me realise that I want to get back into football and give it my best shot."

Bevan is determined to get his career back on track after it stalled as a young under-study to Antti Niemi and former Harriers keeper Paul Jones at home-town club Southampton.

His longest first run came during a loan stint at Huddersfield and he also had temporary spells at Woking and Tamworth before being released by Milton Keynes Dons last season.

The 6ft 6ins stopper has coped comfortably with Harriers' return to pre-season training and he was impressed by the condition of his new team-mates.

"It was just a gentle break-in, although I say that in the loosest of terms because it was a 40 minute jog with varying paces," he said.

"As far as first days go it was good and no-one's pulled up so that's always a good sign and everyone seems to be in good shape."

"I was at the front of the pack briefly at the start but as it wore on I drifted down to the back. Goalkeepers aren't noted for running but I'm not too bad and with these long legs it only takes a couple of strides to catch up with people."

Boss Mark Yates said: "The first few days were all about breaking the lads in and them getting to know each other and there was nothing too strenuous.

"The hard works starts now with us putting them through their paces in fitness tests at Cheltenham University."

l Harriers fans wishing to watch Harriers pre-season home games in style can book special packages for the friendlies against Albion and Wolves.

The club are offering deals including a meal, refreshments, access to the Aggborough Suite and a match ticket for the games.

The Albion game kicks off at noon on Saturday, July 15, while the Wolves match gets under way at 7.30pm on Monday July 31.

For more details call Helen MacDonald on 01562 823931 or e-mail helen.macdonald@harriers.co.uk