Full-back Lee Baker will play a big part in Harriers' season next term, according to boss Mark Yates.

The former West Bromwich Albion youngster initially arrived on loan from the Baggies early last term but went on to make the switch permanent after impressing at Aggborough.

With a first full season of competitive action under his belt, Yates expects to see even further improvement from his left-back over the course of the forthcoming campaign.

"Lee has grown up a lot and we knew he'd be better off for playing some games, as is the case with all young players," Yates told harriers.co.uk.

"He's one of only three players we've got on the books at the moment and he's going to play a big part for us next season.

"I've spoken to him a number of times since the end of last season and he's looking forward to it and can't wait for us to bring in some players.

"He came on leaps and bounds - he had a dip but he's a young boy and that was to be expected; he had a pretty decent season."

Playing 45 first-team games in one season must have seemed little more than a pipe dream for Baker not so long ago, with a serious knee injury threatening to end his promising career before it had chance to get going.

But despite an initial set-back as the knee flared up after just a couple of games, Baker has shown few signs of any problems at all.

"He's a young player but he's a very good professional and he knows what he's doing," adds Yates.

"He had a good upbringing at West Brom and came through a serious injury and missed a whole season - he knows how to look after himself before and after games and that stands him in good stead.

"He'll be even better for us next season."