CORTEZ Belle could be back in Chester City's line-up at Shrews-bury tomorrow as Ian Rush calls time on his transfer dealings this season.

The big striker has returned from his South Wales exile during his five-match suspension and is likely to be at least on the bench despite his lack of match fitness.

Rush admits his team lacks a cutting edge, but has been told he will have to settle for his current squad for the rest of the season with the exception of striker Taiwo Atieno who is going back to Walsall when his loan spell ends next week.

And the City boss may also be forced to do without defender George Elokobi who is expected to be recalled by Colchester when his loan spell ends.

'I would like to keep George, but unfortunately Colchester are keen to get him back,' said Rush. 'I will try to persuade their manager to let me keep him.'

Rush admitted he will also be bringing striker Kevin Rapley and midfielder Andy Harris back from Forest Green when their loans spells end.

'We are going to need everyone at our disposal for the rest of the season,' he added.

There is a chance City could be boosted by the return of Michael Branch at Gay Meadow. He is close to fitness following his hamstring injury and a decision will be made after training today.

But defender Phil Bolland is definitely out with an ankle injury which sidelined him for Tuesday's defeat at Grimsby.

* Chester fans have been slow to respond to tomorrow's clash. It is an all-ticket game for City supporters, but only 450 have been sold, compared to nearly 2,000 for last year's vital Conference promotion game.

Chester may need all the help they can get against an improving Shrewsbury as they go into the game on the back of successive defeats by Yeovil and Grimsby.

'Shrewsbury deserved to beat us at Chester and we can't play like that again on Saturday,' said Rush. 'Jamie Tolley controlled the game and Paul Carden will need to stop him on Saturday. In fact, we need to win the midfield battle and start to get more shots on target. That is something we will be working on in training.

'I couldn't fault the effort in the last few games. It was annoying to lose the last two when we played well.'

Shrewsbury are likely to be without at least one ex-Chester player.

Darren Moss is struggling with a thigh injury and Sam Aiston is suspended. CORTEZ BELLE: Returns after suspension.