Winger Craig Mahon should return to the Chester FC squad for tomorrow's trip to Southport (7.45pm).

The Irishman has missed the last three matches after pulling his quad muscle but trained without a problem this morning and will be in contention for the visit to Merseyrail Community Stadium.

His inclusion will be welcome as the Blues strive to put the weekend's 3-2 defeat to Lincoln City behind them .

And there could be more positive news with ex-Southport midfielder Luke George nearing a return after eight games out with a pulled thigh, although he has tweaked his calf.

READ: Defensive mistakes must stop, warns Steve Burr as Chester FC continue to leak

Chester manager Steve Burr said: "Craig trained in full this morning and he's come through the session with no problems, which is good.

"We'll be pleased to have him back in the squad for Southport and Luke is getting closer too.

"His thigh problem looks to be behind him but he's got a little bit of a tight calf now so we'll have to see how he is but he's getting there."

Mahon was one of last season's leading performers but the 26-year-old had been slow to find his stride this term.

However, there had been signs of a return to form in the games with Eastleigh, Welling United and Bromley before he picked up a knock in training.

George, who will be desperate to face his former club, pulled his thigh muscle during the 2-1 home loss to Forest Green Rovers on September 5 .

Luke George in action against Braintree Town earlier in the campaign
Luke George in action against Braintree Town earlier in the campaign