REDDITCH United boss Paul Smith continues to rebuild his squad by bringing in another Kidderminster Harriers prospect Mason Birch.

The youngster impressed while playing in a friendly between the sides last week and goes straight into the squad for Saturday's trip to Tamworth.

Smith said: "I have a very good relationship with Kidderminster manager Neil McFarlane and Mason needs to be playing first team football, so it suits both parties quite well.

"Mason was released by Aston Villa, but was the stand-out player in the friendly game.

"I'm also in negotiations two bring in two more players currently featuring in the Southern League Central Premier Division.

"However, the seven day notices of approach didn't go in until Sunday, so I've yet to see whether the two clubs concerned are prepared to waive the seven days to enable both of them to play at Tamworth."

Redditch then play hosts to Rushall Olympic next Tuesday night at the Valley which will herald the return of former Reds boss Liam McDonald.

Smith added: "Neither Tamworth or Rushall have made the start to the season that was expected of them.

"As a result Tamworth are already under new management so to some extent we're both in the same boat both scrapping for points and both in a period of transition.

"They are huge games from our point of view because we need to start picking up points."

Redditch found themselves without a fixture this week as proposed opponents Stourbridge were involved in the FA Cup.

Smith still managed to make good use of the weekend by running the rule over his forthcoming opponents.

He revealed: "We gave the players a rare Saturday off after a punishing training session on Thursday night. We really put the players through their paces as we look to improve their fitness. The work never stops."

Reds were also due to face Halesowen Town this week in a League Cup contest with Smith resisting the temptation to utilise his squad.

He said: "I'll likely put out a side which I think will win the game. It's important that we start getting back into winning ways after a run of defeats.

"Apart from the results, things have gone really well at Redditch. We have been made to feel welcome in what has been a difficult period for the club."