CHRIS Robertson and Evan Horwood have arrived at Chester City with a glowing recommendation from Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock ringing in their ears.
The defensive duo this week signed from the Blades on one-month loan deals, along with fellow new face Mark Roberts of Crewe Alexandra.
Robertson and Horwood will join Roberts in the squad for tomorrow's League Two encounter at Carlisle United - and Warnock says his two young guns have what it takes to be a hit at the Saunders Honda Stadium.
Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle, he said: 'If Keith Curle was to chuck them both into the first team at Carlisle, I think they would handle it.
'They certainly wouldn't be bothered by the mental side of it and playing first-team football is what they need because it's such a step up from being involved in the reserves.
'They're both good lads who are eager to learn. They will be good to have around the football club and I know they will be well looked after.'
Robertson, 20, is a centre-back while 19-year-old Horwood operates at left back and has spent spells on loan at Scunthorpe United, Stockport County and York City.
The duo played for the Blues' reserve team in their 2-0 defeat at Blackpool on Wednesday.
Warnock added: 'We've got about eight lads out on loan at the moment and I have to say it's been excellent for us. Evan and Chris are good players but they need toughening up and I know they will get that in League Two.
'Evan is potentially one of the best young lads we've had here as a left-back. We rate him highly.
'Young Robbo is a big, strong lad who has had a nightmare time with a couple of bad knee injuries. It's just great to see him back playing again. He's someone who I think has played well when he's been around better players.'
Manager Keith Curle hopes the three new faces - who arrived just before the closure of the January transfer window on Tuesday - can help kick-start a revival in Chester's fortunes.
The Blues' 2-0 home defeat to Notts County on Saturday was their ninth in 11 games and Curle said: 'We've needed a shake-up at the back and now we've got some youthfulness back in our defending. All three will figure this weekend.'
Crewe defender Roberts, 22, has joined on a month's loan after impressing Curle following a short trial. He featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Blackburn Rovers on Monday and could well come into the starting line-up tomorrow as centre-back Dave Artell serves a one-match ban for his red card against Notts County.
Tom Curtis also sits out the trip to Brunton Park. The midfielder must serve a two-match suspension for picking up 10 bookings this season.
* The Blues have opened contract negotiations with Ryan Lowe, Ben Davies and Stewart Drummond. Davies was this week the subject of a failed approach from Yeovil Town.
* City had a £100,000 move for Hull City winger Kevin Ellison turned down on Tuesday.
Chester have offered a trial to former Crewe striker Paul Tait, who is a free agent having been released by Rochdale. Out of favour City wing-back Abdou El Kholti has been on trial at Wycombe.
