LOUIS GRAY’S keeping his fingers crossed he can play a big part in Chester’s end of season promotion bid.

The Wrexham-born goalkeeper and former Racecourse youngster is waiting for clearance from National League chiefs to get the green light to play in the Blues’ play-off clash at Altrincham in two week’s time.

Gray, who played only two games before the coronavirus ended the campaign, was on loan from Carlisle United at the time.

His contract at Brunton Park has since ended but Chester are hopeful Gray, who could be offered a deal to stay on at The Deva for next season, will be given the all-clear.

“I hope I get the green light,” said Gray. “It was just my luck to come to Chester, play one game and then see the season ended.

“I just want to play my part - as the rest of the lads do. And what they’ve done, playing for free, shows what great team spirit there is here. There are no big-time Charlies in the team and I’m more than happy I’ve made the move here.”

Gray, 24, was talking about the players offering to give up their payments after the National League North club launched their #InItTogether campaign, raising funds for the play-offs.

And some of the players have explained on the official club website why they’ve made the brilliant gesture.

Scott Burton said: “As a team we want to finish something we have started. If that means to play for free we’re willing to do that for the gaffers, the club and most importantly the fans.

“With what they the fans are doing boosting the budget donating so much money it is the very least we can do.”

Danny Elliott said: “From the moment I arrived at Chester, I could feel that it is was different to most other clubs.

“It has a unique environment, being fan owned, and that sense of togetherness throughout the group of players, managers and fans, all desperate for success, has been so apparent on so many occasions this season.

“Every single person throughout the club is pulling in the same direction, and what we all want is almost tangible, so now more than ever it is so important we all do everything we can to give ourselves the best chance. We want to get the club where we want it to be, from fans, to staff to players, as we are #InItTogether.”

But young defender Matty Thomson won’t be playing a part in the play-offs after he left the club.

has departed the Deva Stadium.

The 20-year-old full-back made 19 appearances for the Blues but with the return of Kevin Roberts, his path to the first has been blocked.

Joint-boss Anthony Johnson said: “Matty has been a model professional in spite of his young age from day one at Chester FC. We fully support his decision to seek football elsewhere for his development.”