Ryan Astles on Chester FC's defensive steel and emulating Ian Sharps

In a season that has already seen Chester FC have to shuffle their defensive pack regularly owing to a host of injuries, Ryan Astles has been the one constant.

The big defender has started all 12 games for the Blues so far this term and has continued where he left off last season with a number of towering displays at the heart of defence.

After defensive frailties at the start of the season caused plenty of concern, Chester have addressed their issues and have gone four games unbeaten in the National League without conceding a goal.

So what is the secret behind the success and such a dramatic turnaround?

"It's all down to the hard work that we have been putting in on the training ground and the fact that we are getting to know each others games a little better now," said Astles.

"We have had a few new lads come in and it takes time for things to click but I think that is happening now and the results are showing that.

"The gaffer has brought in competition for every place and that can only be a good thing.

"We've had a lot of injuries but the squad we have got and the strength we have across the park means that we've been able to cope when some teams might not have been able to."

Astles, who joined Chester from Northwich Victoria at the start of the year, saw his defensive partner at the end of last season, Ben Heneghan, depart for Scottish Premiership side Motherwell in the summer, a reward for his fine displays for the Blues.

And with Astles learning from a man who amassed more than 500 appearances in the Football League in assistant manager Ian Sharps, the big defender is hoping he too can earn his stripes with Chester and progress in the game.

"Ian Sharps and the gaffer have been drilling into us what's needed and it's great to be able to learn from someone like Ian Sharps as he has been a defender with a great career in the Football League," said Astles.

"I've obviously got the desire to be the best I can and if I can have a career like his that would be phenomenal.

"Ben Heneghan did well and he earned a great move but my focus is on doing well for Chester and making sure we succeed on the pitch. That is the most important thing and whatever happens happens."