Illness has ravaged the Blues squad meaning manager Steve Burr will be forced to field a makeshift team against Wolverhampton Wanderers' development side tonight (7.45pm).

Craig Mahon and Danny Harrison were too unwell to attend training yesterday, and Jamie Menagh, John Rooney, Tom Peers all sat out the session having been laid low by a sickness bug.

With Chris Iwelumo (ankle) and Michael Kay (knee) struggling, and Matty Brown and Craig Hobson being withdrawn as a precaution at the weekend, the Blues are down to the bare bones tonight.

Burr will not want to take any unnecessary risks with the new season starting on Saturday and has confirmed his squad for tonight will include a number of trialists and youth teamers.

He said: "I feel it’s only fair to tell the supporters ahead of tonight’s game.

"Most of the lads will be here as we are having our team photo taken beforehand, but I won’t be taking any risks if players aren’t 100% right. 

"Hopefully people will still come down as we will put out the best possible team we can and those playing will be staking their claim for starting places."

Wolves are sending a strong squad to the Swansway Chester Stadium with ex-Premier League regulars Kevin Doyle, Jamie O'Hara, Stephen Ward and Kevin Foley all included.

Admission for tonight's game is £5 for adults and free for juniors.