INJURIES to three key players during the pre-season have not damaged manager Russell Slade’s anticipation for the big kick-off in two week’s time.

He told Guardian Series Sport: “I’m really looking forward to it. This group of players has responded well and has shown a great attitude every time they train and play.”

So Slade will hope that Adam Chambers recovers fast from his latest injury blow.

The crock-prone midfielder is being monitored for a sore calf which he picked up on Saturday, in the 2-1 defeat to Blackpool at the Joma Cup in Devon.

The 30 year-old, who is always dependable as a player who puts in maximum effort, subjected the problem calf to a gentle work out in training on Tuesday.

In addition, Slade is waiting on the fitness of centre-back Ben Chorley (calf) and left- back Charlie Daniels (knee ligaments.) Chorley has been back in light training this week and is on course to be fit in time for the League One opener, away at Yeovil Town.

But the manager is not so optimistic about Daniels’ prospects.

“He won’t be back in time” Slade said.