LIAM McDonald believes Redditch United’s youthful squad’s extra fitness could give them the edge over their Calor Southern League rivals in the second half of the season.

The Reds boss boasts one of the most inexperienced squads in the Premier Division but he is confident their energy and enthusiasm may help the club build on a positive few months.

The likes of Edwin Ahenkorah, Jamie Molyneux, Ashley Sammons and Omari Sterling-James are just a few of the young guns fuelling United’s bid for a top half of the table finish.

“The players are young but they are fit and can run all day,” said McDonald.

“I think fitness could be key over the next few months and that we could have an advantage over a few teams.”

United saw their clash at Bashley postponed on Saturday because of the storms which have hit the South Coast hard. It means the away trip will be moved to a midweek date although one has not yet been set.

Redditch, who were set to play Kettering away in the Red Insure Cup last night, then take on second-placed Cambridge City at home this Saturday (3pm).

They lost 4-1 at City just before Christmas but McDonald feels his side can pick up three points.

McDonald has almost a full strength squad to call upon, with Ahenkorah returning from the injury which saw him miss the last month.

He said: “It was a tough game at Cambridge but the squad is looking in good shape.

“I may adjust how we play but I believe we can get a result.”

McDonald is also looking at delving into the Midland Alliance again and has targeted two players.

He has enjoyed success plucking the likes of Sterling-James out of the fifth tier of non-league football.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Umit Eminoglu has also returned to former club Hednesford over the Christmas period.

Eminoglu, who had just returned from Turkish top flight side Genclerbirligi, had signed briefly for Hednesford before several eye-catching displays for Redditch.

He was subbed at half-time in the loss to St Albans and subsequently returned to the Pitmen.

McDonald added: “We took off Umit and played a lot better in the second half.

“I only want players who want to be at Redditch and are playing for the club.”