DON'T mention Rob Elliot's injured ankle - he is hoping he can ignore the pain so he can play against Chester tomorrow.

The keeper is gutted to have hurt his ankle in a pre-season friendly and was due to have a scan this week to assess the extent of the damage.

He did manage to get through 90 minutes against East Fife on Monday and is desperate to start the season.

"I will do anything I can to play," said the 20-year-old who has signed on a season-long loan from Charlton.

"I hurt it against Blackpool and could feel it a bit in Scotland but I hate coming off as I feel like I have let people down. It is so disappointing though as I have done all the pre-season so I want to play the first game.

"But I do need to get it sorted now as I don't want it to drag on through the season."

Elliot knows, though, if he doesn't make it that he has a strong replacement in Ian Dunbavin.

"Bavs is a really good, experienced keeper and he is no mug and won't let anyone down if he plays. He has league experience and will do well. But I hope I make it. They are two big games in Chester and Darlington.

"Chester are a well-established, good, physical side and it will be interesting to see how we cope. And Darlington are one of the favourites to go up and have spent some money so it will be interesting to see how we fare."

The goalie is expecting a tougher test in League Two than the Conference.

"The forwards will obviously be wiser and know what they are doing. They will be quality finishers and will be better, stronger and fitter.

"Michael Bridges was playing in League Two last season and he was at one point touted for England. It will all be great experience.

"I want to go out and be the best goalkeeper in the league so I will just play my game and hope for the best."