CHESTER FC have announced the signing of experienced midfielder Sean McAllister as the Blues look to combat an unprecedented injury crisis.

The 31-year-old Lancastrian has a wealth of Football League experience after spending his youth career at Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday.

He went on to make 68 appearances for the Owls, scoring four goals before moving to Mansfield Town, Shrewsbury and Bury.

McAllister made 43 appearances in the 2013–14 season for Scunthorpe as the Irons won promotion to League One with the midfielder being crowned the club's Player of the Year for his "high energy and consistent performances".

He left the club in 2016 and has since spent time with Grimsby Town and had a loan spell at York City.

Speaking to ChesterFC.com, Blues joint manager, Anthony Johnson, said: “I think everyone is aware of our injury crisis at the moment and with George Green now serving a one game ban as well we needed to move quickly to bring a recognised central midfielder in.

“Sean has played at a very good level and at 31 is at an age where he still has lots to offer. He looked superb in training and so we’re delighted to be able to bring him in short term with a view to longer.”

The Blues look to continue their unbeaten start to 2019 at the Swansway Stadium on Saturday when they take on Guiseley on the back of two wins and a draw in all comps since the start of a New Year – and without a goal conceded.

Gary Stopforth, Akwasi Asante and Lloyd Marsh-Hughes are currently all injured with Matty Thomson also a doubt.

The match will mark the return of former Chester boss Marcus Bignot, who is joint manager at the Lions. Bignot was in charge at the Swansway from September 2017 until April last year.