YOUTH Team star Nathan Hayward is set to retain his place in the first team squad for this weekend's big FA Cup tie with Cambridge United at Aggborough.

The teenager, who has four goals in eight youth appearances this term, made his first team debut in the Setanta Shield in midweek, coming on as a late substitute at Burton Albion.

Haward's cameo appearance and efforts in training over the last few weeks have impressed Manager Mark Yates, who admitted the youngster's debut came more quickly than even he expected.

"He's been training with the first team for a couple of weeks now," said Yates.

"I set a challenge to the Youth players in pre-season to see who would be the first to train with us, and the first to make an appearance somewhere along the line.

"It's happened more quickly than I anticipated but Nathan has stood out as head and shoulders above the rest.

"It's a great incentive for another Youth Team player to get that chance - Nathan has trained with us and hasn't looked out of place, and for seven or eight minutes on Tuesday night he was excellent."

Clubs are permitted to name seven substitutes in this season's FA Cup sponsored by E.ON - and Yates confirmed that as Harriers prepare to take on league rivals Cambridge for a place in the Second Round proper, the midfielder, who celebrates his 17th Birthday on the day, will be among them.

He added: "With Luke Jones being out, Nathan will be on the bench and it will be a great experience for him.

"I've just been having a chat with him today and he'll really enjoy it."