The Shrewsbury Town central midfielder is receiving treatment for a back spasm injury which forced him to abandon his starting place in the 3-1 defeat against Mansfield Town last weekend.

But Davies is keen to recover from his injury and captain the Shrews against Chester.

He said: "I've had a sore back since before the match last Saturday and I may be struggling to start, but I hope I can get some action, even if it's from the bench.

"I've really been looking forward to playing in the game against Chester because there's always a brilliant atmosphere for derby matches.

"It was good to play in the derby against Wrexham the other week and I'm sure the atmosphere for the Chester game will be similar.

"It was such a disappointment to have to pull out of last Saturday's match before kick-off, but the gaffer didn't want to take any chances.

"I thought we were poor against Mansfield who played as if their lives depended on a win and got their reward – they battered us."

Davies revealed he had kept in touch with a few of the Chester players since he left the Blues at the end of the 2005-06 season.

He added: "I try to stay in touch with John Danby and a couple of the other lads that I remember from my time at Chester and I know it's been a hard season for them.

"I just hope that Chester can stay up and avoid relegation – I want to see Chester and their new boss, Simon Davies, do well. It's not nice to see my former club struggling.

"Shrewsbury's win against Wrexham the other week was masssive for us and it would be great to see Chester getting themselves safe.

"Chester had such a great start, but then for some reason they started to drop down the league table. I'm aware they have a game in hand and I hope they can make use of it."

Davies, 27, was appointed Shrewsbury skipper after the departure of Stewart Drummond from the New Meadow in January.

He said: "I've got another year left on my contract after this season and I know a lot of the lads at Shrewsbury are playing for their future at the club.

"I've really enjoyed my time as captain and the responsibility that goes with it – particularly on match days.

"We have a lot of youngsters at the club and I find myself giving them guidance when I'm playing.

"I've been pleased with my season because I can count on one hand the number of times I've been really struggling with a niggling injury.

"But I've not long recovered from a hamstring problem, and now I'm trying to recover from a back injury.

"I just hope I can come through the problems and start to chip in with a few goals again.

"Saturday's match against Chester will be typically tough and tight – I don't think anyone can expect anything else after the way Mansfield played against us."

- There are additional coaches available for the away trip to Shrewsbury on Saturday if anyone is interested in making the trip.

The coaches leave the Deva Stadium at 12pm on Saturday and will cost £8.
Anyone wanting to travel to the game should contact Barrie Hipkiss between 6-8pm this evening on 01244 379011.