THE experienced striker Paul Tait is training with Chester City and if he impresses he may be offered a contract with the Coca Cola League Two club.

Tait, 31, who started his career with Everton before spells at Wigan Athletic, Crewe Alexandra and Hull City, was released by Roch-dale last month and is now a free agent.

The Newcastle-born player has a wealth of experience and City manager Keith Curle has given him the opportunity to prove his abilities.

"We are having a look at Paul, and he is having a look at us," he said. "He's a competitive and bustling type of player who has an excellent pedigree."

Chester gave runouts to two of their new loan signings in the reserve team match at Blackpool yesterday.

Curle enthused: "Both Evan Horwood and Chris Robertson played for part of the game and both did well. They, and Mark Roberts, will be in the squad who face Carlisle United."

City lost the match at Bloomfield Road 2-0.

Michael Branch will also return to the squad after suspension.

However, suspensions rule out central defender Dave Artell and midfielder Tom Curtis.

Defender Sean Hessey has returned to training following his recent knee injury.