Craig Mahon has an added incentive to impress in Monday night’s televised clash with Wrexham.

Mahon’s family and friends back in Ireland will be tuning in to cheer on the winger, who left home in 2004.

“My family aren’t based over here so don’t get to see me much but the game being on TV means they will be able to watch, which makes it a little bit more special for me,” said Mahon.

“These are the kind of games you want to be involved in and I can’t wait for it now.

“It’s the biggest game of the season and it would be massive for the club to get a result.”

Dublin-born Mahon came to the UK when Wigan Athletic offered him a route into the professional game.

He was released in 2009 and moved into non-league, settling at Vauxhall Motors before a switch to Chester last summer.

Mahon’s ebullience off the pitch has helped him become a favourite on the terraces.

On the pitch, he provides the pace, skill and direct running manager Steve Burr wants from his attacking outlets.

Mahon, 25, was a stand-out in the 2-0 win over Southport on Tuesday and feels the result and performance was the perfect preparation for Monday.

“We passed the ball well, we created some chances, we did good things and we kept a clean sheet so we did everything you’d want,” he said.

“I thought as a team it was a great performance and there were a few contenders for man of the match.

“For me, it’s one of the best performances we’ve had here and we’ve got to look to build on it now.”

Six defeats in the opening nine games had some fans fearing another season of struggle for the Blues.

Mahon believes midweek was a truer indication of the team’s capabilities.

He said: “You don’t want to be thinking about relegation because it’s so early but it’s always there in the back of your mind after last season.

“We went out against Southport with a game-plan and we’ve got to show the fans that it’s not a one-off now.

“If we can play like that every week then I don’t think there will be many teams who can live with us.

“The thing about football is if you switch off then it will cost you but we’ve taken a lot of confidence from the Southport because we showed we can take the lead and defend it.

“I heard a few things in the crowd and some people were getting anxious and jittering but Southport never caused us problems.

“I though the back five were fantastic when called upon and it’s our job to hold onto the ball better in front of them and that will come.”

Mahon and the rest of the squad will train together this afternoon and over the weekend to prepare for Wrexham, who won 1-0 at leaders Barnet on Tuesday.

Mahon said: “The gaffer wants us in on Saturday morning to go over few things and make sure we’re ready for Monday night.”