The Chester City boss admitted he had been interested to learn how a young and inexperienced side which featured several trialists would fair against Welsh Premier League club, TNS, who eventually ran out 3-1 winners in the behind-closed-doors friendly.

Davies said: "It was a good workout, and gave me the opportunity to look at certain trialists.

"In my opinion it was far too early to play the older lads in the squad, but there were a number of players involved who are squad players.

"Shaun Kelly played but came off with a tight hamstring, Paul McManus played for an hour, Paul Rutherford played for a full 90 minutes, and Glenn Rule was exceptional.

"Glenn played in three or four positions during the match as we edged the opening half, but it was 1-1 at the break."

Davies was particularly impressed with teenage centre half, Christian Platt, who is a first year apprentice and added: "Christian is 16 years old and 6ft 1in tall. He started the game and I believe he has a bright future.

"I know him well from his youth team days when I was in charge and I think we're very fortunate to have him at Chester.

"He went for a trial at Manchester United, and Blackburn Rovers were interested in him last season, but I managed to speak to his parents and we talked him round to staying at Chester.

"I took a lot from the TNS game and I was pleased to see the youngsters working tirelessly.

"We didn't have any leaders on the pitch and TNS started to pull us out of positions during the second half."

Davies confirmed that striker Chris Holroyd would be speaking to Cambridge United boss, Gary Brabin, today about a possible move to the Abbey Stadium club after former Chester captain, Brabin received permission to talk to Holroyd.

Davies said: "I'm not forcing Chris to leave, but it might be in his interest to have a chat with Cambridge.

"I feel this is an important year for Chris and, if he turns down the chance of joining Cambridge, I'd encourage him to fight for a place in the first team.

"Chris may feel that his chances of starting games at Chester have been restricted with the signings of Paul Taylor and Ryan Lowe, and with Kevin Ellison, Richie Partridge, and John Murphy also in the squad."

City's next friendly game is on Tuesday, July 15, at Southport, and on Saturday, July 19, the squad make the short journey to Rivacre Park to play Vauxhall Motors.

Meanwhile, former City physiotherapist, Joe Hinnigan, has joined Accrington Stanley.