Chester FC first-team coach Jon McCarthy says that there could be a place in the squad over the festive period for those Blues players who have been out on loan in recent weeks.
Attacking midfielder George Thomson, striker Tom Peers and young midfielder Sam Hughes have all been plying their trade away from the Lookers Vauxhall Stadium in recent weeks at FC Manchester United, Salford City and Witton Albion respectively.
And with a hectic Christmas schedule on the horizon, McCarthy insists that they are still in the thoughts of the management team and that the door has in no means been closed on their Chester FC futures.
"We've had players out on loan, there's an element of we might need those players over Christmas and into January," said McCarthy. "We recognise what happened last year in terms of injuries with a smaller squad.
"We've had the likes of George Thomson, Tom Peers, Sam Hughes out to get games so that if we need them in this period they are in a better position. That's why that's happened."
And with the January transfer window fast approaching, McCarthy says that FA Trophy success could help the Blues out with regards to bringing in fresh blood in the New Year, hinting that targets could be in mind already.
"I've had two calls this morning about players who might be available and might be around, but it depends on the club and finances," said McCarthy.
"But we talk about the FA Trophy, a little bit of success in that can help us because a little bit of income from that might mean we can do a bit more in terms of loans and bringing people in.
"It's cold this time of year and the gaffer has been sending me and Chris (Herbert) out to all kinds of games, but to be fair to him he does double the amount that we ever do. He's out everywhere. He's upped that and we are always looking forward."
