IAN Rush has made a double swoop on League One leaders Luton Town to secure the one-month loan signings of defenders Dave Bayliss and Ian Hillier.
The Hatters pair both go straight into the squad for tonight's game at Southend.
A delighted Rush said: 'It's very pleasing to get the two of them in. They are both experienced and have played at a higher level.
'We've watched them a number of times playing for Luton's reserves and they both have a very good attitude.'
Bayliss, a 28-year-old central defender, has also played for Rochdale and has made more than 200 league appearances in total.
Hillier, 25 on Boxing Day, can play anywhere across the back line and also in midfield. He started his career at Tottenham but never broke into the first team and has also represented Wales at U21 level.
Rush said: 'If they do well then we'll be looking to sign them on a permanent deal.
'Dave is from Liverpool and Ian's from Wales so they could be quite keen to come.
'This month is a chance for us to have a look at them both and for them to look at us.'
The pair are likely to be joined by at least one more face next week, with a striker high on Rush's Christmas list.
A second bid for former Everton striker Phil Jevons has this week been knocked back by Yeovil but Rush is still keen to bring the 25-year-old back to his native North West.
City are also close to signing another striker from an unnamed Premiership club.
And in a busy week on the transfer search, Rush also confirmed the club had bid for Shrewsbury Town midfielder Jamie Tolley, who played against Chester last weekend.
The two loan signings couldn't have come at a better time with City without a league win since October's 3-0 victory against Kidderminster.
Kevin Ellison misses tonight's game through suspension, Darren Edmondson is definitely out while Richard Hope and Cortez Belle are both described as 50-50.
Hope was injured during the Shrewsbury game and Belle picked up a knock in training. Darryn Stamp, a recent target for Lincoln and Scarborough, also limped out of the midweek reserves game but could be included.
Chester's home game against Cheltenham Town has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, February 1 due to City's involvement in the FA Cup at Bournemouth on January 8.
