Joe Lolley has been backed to be a big hit at Huddersfield Town.

The John Smith’s Stadium club are close to signing one of the hottest properties in Conference football in the Kidderminster frontman.

And journalist Pete McKinney, who has charted his progress since signing from Midlands minnows Littleton in the summer, reckons Mark Robins could have a gem on his hands.

Town, fresh from bringing in Nahki Wells from Bradford, are in talks with both Kidderminster and the £250,000-rated player, who looks set to say farewell after tonight’s FA Cup fourth-round replay at Peterborough.

He notched a hat trick in Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Salisbury, and is aiming to help Harriers topple League I Posh and seal a fourth-round trip to Premier League Sunderland.

One thing seems certain – the 21-year-old, who is 5ft 10in, will leave Aggborough with the best wishes of the Harriers faithful.

“He’s very popular with the fans,” confirmed McKinney, who covers the club home and away for the Kidderminster Shuttle.

“It’s not just that he gets goals (10 in 26 games to date), but the way he plays, which is exciting and entertaining.

“Joe is left footed, but tends to play on the right side of a three-man frontline for Harriers, with his trademark cutting in and unleashing powerful shots.

“He has real pace, but also decent footwork, and on his day, can steam past opponents as if they aren’t there.

“Obviously he has a lot to learn still, but he is a pretty down-to-earth lad and he is hungry to develop.”

Born in Redditch, Worcestershire, and a keen Aston Villa fan, Lolley was on Birmingham’s books as a youngster.

Released by Blues, he started banging in the goals for Midland Combination side Littleton, which is near Evesham, notching 88 in 83 games.

At the same time, he was studying at the University of Central Lancashire, in Preston, and played for Britain in last summer’s World University Games in Russia.

Former Hereford and Cheltenham striker Steve Guinan, who managed the national student side, is also on the coaching staff at Kidderminster, and recommended Lolley.

Then Harriers manager Steve Burr handed Lolley a one-year contract after he fired in three goals in a pre-season friendly at Chasetown.

“It was an explosive start, and Joe has steadily made the step up to Conference level,” added McKinney.

“He has the right kind of attitude, and while it would be another big step up to join Huddersfield, he looks to have a decent chance.

“Scoring a hat trick in your last home appearance is a pretty good way to sign off, and there’s still tonight’s tie to come.

“Joe gave Peterborough quite a few problems in the first match, and they were also linked with a move for him.

It looks like Huddersfield have won the race, and I think the fans here would love to see him go on and be a big success.”

Kidderminster, now managed by ex-Coventry boss Andy Thorn, are fourth in the Conference with a squad including former Town player Lee Fowler.

They are attempting to regain the Football League place lost in 2005, when they were relegated after five seasons of membership.

Famed as the first club to host a floodlit FA Cup match, against Brierley Hill Alliance in a preliminary round replay in 1955, they were formed in 1886.

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