Blues boss Steve Burr will take a close look at skipper George Horan in training tonight before deciding whether he should come into the frame for  this weekend.

Chester-born Horan, 32, has not played since the Cheshire Senior Cup defeat at Macclesfield Town on February 18.

Tough centre-back Horan had been battling through games with floating bone in his ankle but went under the knife in a bid to cure the problem.

He has now returned to training and his leadership and no-nonsense approach could be crucial as the end of the season draws closer.

Burr said: “We are going to be able to have a look at George in training this week and see where he’s at.

“It’s not so much his fitness but he gets a bit of discomfort in his ankle after he’s been training but he could be right for Saturday.”

Horan, who skippered the club to three successive league titles, has missed the last 11 matches.

He was in and out of the side under previous boss Neil Young but started in each of Burr’s first five games in charge.

Should he come through training unscathed, Burr said Horan would be in contention to replace the suspended Matty Brown against Grimsby Town on Saturday.

But the manager has a number of options available, with Paul Linwood and Luke Ashworth, who is yet to feature since joining on loan from Hyde, in the reckoning.

Burr said: “Paul has been playing with a knock on his shin but he’s had a bit of rest and that has improved.

“We have brought Luke Ashworth in and we’d have no problem putting him in.

“It’s good to have options and all three have got a chance.”