Chester FC have announced Luke George has committed to the club for the 2016-17 season.

The 23-year-old was one of the most sought after midfielders in the National League last summer when he signed from divisional rivals Southport, where he made over 80 appearances in two seasons and earned a call up to the England C squad.

Thigh and hamstring problems restricted him to 23 league appearances in a challenging debut campaign but Blues boss Jon McCarthy holds George in high regard and believes his best is still to come.

"I have unfinished business," George told the club's official website after signing a new 12-month deal.

"I’ve enjoyed my time here so far, but I do have unfinished business - I want to stay injury free and kick on next season.

"Last season was very frustrating personally. Macca and Sharpy have done brilliantly, we’ve seen a massive change and that was a big factor for me."

George follows defender Ryan Astles in committing his immediate future to the club, taking the number of players on board for next season to eight with Jon Worsnop, Craig Mahon, Sam Hughes and Tom Shaw under contract and youth teamers Kieran Evans and Matty Waters having signed their first professional deals.

The Chronicle understands another member of the squad has also agreed terms with a further announcement expected this evening which will be a welcome boost for McCarthy and supporters following the loss of top scorer Ross Hannah to Barrow AFC at the start of the week.

Luke George in action for the Blues against his former club Southport
Luke George in action for the Blues against his former club Southport

Liverpool-born George, who began his career with Crewe Alexandra but left for Stafford Rangers without breaking into the first-team, made an impressive start with Chester but the missed two months having damaged his thigh eight games into the campaign.

He returned in late October and featured in 15 of the next 16 games, taking over the captain's armband in the process, but then suffered a torn hamstring, keeping him out for nine matches.

George, who described the 2015-16 season as the most difficult in his career, recovered to take his place in the squad for the final six games.