Smith back for Spireites

Nathan Smith is fit again and in contention to start when Chesterfield begin the new season with a home tie against Tranmere.

Smith missed the end of last season with an ankle injury but has proved his fitness towards the end of the Spireites' pre-season campaign and could return to the side at left-back for the Capital One Cup tie. Neal Trotman and Sam Hird are expected to be the centre-halves in front of goalkeeper Tommy Lee with Drew Talbot and Terrell Forbes battling it out for the right-back spot. Forbes is likely to clinch it, meaning Talbot will play on the right wing opposite Danny Whitaker. Central midfield looks like being Sam Togwell and Mark Randall with Jordan Bowery and Marc Richards in attack. Veteran striker Jack Lester, out since suffering a groin injury during the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final win at Wembley in March, is close to full fitness but this game may come too soon for the 36-year-old.