MICHAEL WILDE is looking forward to the opportunity of making his first start this season for the Blues.
The prolific marksman is battling back to match fitness after suffering a broken collarbone in Chester’s pre-season friendly against Southport.
Wilde, who scored 36 goals in 43 games during Chester’s title-winning campaign last season, is keen to play his part in helping the Blues’ achieve back-to-back promotions.
He is expected to be included in the Chester squad for tomorrow’s Premier Division match against Chasetown at the Exacta Stadium (3pm).
But Wilde, who scored a hat-trick in an 8-1 win against West Kirby on Tuesday night in a behind closed doors friendly, admitted he had been impressed with Chester's front two pairing of Matty McNeil and Chris Simm this season while he had been sidelined.
“Since our defeat at Nantwich the lads have been playing really well and Matty and Chris have forged a good partnership in attack that is ticking over nicely,” Wilde said.
“Simmo has been working hard and Matty has been winning important headers and holding the ball up for other players to get involved. And Jamie (Rainford) has also looked good when he has come on as a late substitute.
“It might be difficult trying to get back into the team, but I wouldn’t want it any other way because the squad is bigger than any individual and we’re now on the coat tails of league leaders Northwich.
“Everybody at the club is positive because we have a squad of players that are battling for every ball and making life difficult for any side we meet.
“I’ve found it hard and frustrating to watch the lads from the sidelines because I’m always wanting to get on the pitch and play.
“It’s been good seeing all the lads scoring goals, but I’m just biding my time at the minute and waiting for any half chance of playing to come along.”
Wilde has appeared twice as a substitute since recovering from his injury – in Chester’s 3-0 victories at Stafford Rangers and at home to Chorley.
He added: “I played a full 90-minute game for the first time since my injury on Tuesday night and I was pleased to get a match under my belt.
“I didn’t think I was too much off the pace and I’ve had a good steady programme to follow during the last three weeks.
“All in all I feel my progress has been good and I’m three or four weeks ahead schedule and of everyone’s expectations.
“Unfortunately, my match fitness isn’t quite where it needs to be, but I’m now feeling a lot more confident and just need more games under my belt.
“Hopefully I can be involved in Saturday’s match against Chasetown who everyone will probably remember from a couple of years ago when they had a good run in the FA Cup.
“I don’t think they’ll be any mugs and we’re not too sure of what to expect from them, but we should only be concerned about ourselves because if we’re on song we know we’re a match for any side in our division and the division above us.
“It’s important that we stay focused after the good run we’ve been on and that we try and put on a show for our supporters.”