The performances of young midfield pair Sam Hughes and Ryan Lloyd have won praise from Chester FC manager Steve Burr.

Hughes, 18, and Lloyd, 22, were pivotal figures in the second-half comeback in the 2-2 draw at Kidderminster Harriers last weekend and look to have done enough to earn the right to start against Tranmere Rovers on Sunday, which for Wirral-born Hughes in particular would be a special moment.

Burr has been thrilled to see the academy graduate's making the most of his opportunity with the first-team, although urged caution about placing too much expectation on his shoulders.

Burr said: "Sam's took his chance really well but we've got to be careful with him.

"I know what it's like with young lads who come in and done well and then have a little dip but hopefully he doesn't' have that dip because he gives us a lot of strength aerially.

"He's a young lad so there's lots of things that we work on with him in training to improve but I've been delighted with him.

"He's a smashing kid, he's waited patiently and I think putting him in when we have has been the right time. He's come into the side and done very well."

Ryan Lloyd battles for possession in midfield during the draw with Kidderminster
Ryan Lloyd battles for possession in midfield during the draw with Kidderminster

Meanwhile, Lloyd, who is on loan from League One club Port Vale, has improved with each game and, having filled a number of positions during his spell with the Blues, revelled in a more central role against Kidderminster.

Energetic, intelligent and careful in his use of football, the quiet left-footer has been a rare success story in a season where the loan market has been not been especially kind to Chester.

Burr said: "Ryan's done great and it was great to tie him up until the end of the season.

"He's another smashing lad and he loves his fishing apparantely. He does give us that energy and he's one of those lads you can put in any position and you know you'll get a performance out of him, and it's good for him that he's showing good form because that's what Port Vale will want to see."