CHORLEY'S hopes of a top 13 finish have been boosted by Keith Hill signing a contract until the end of the season.

The former Blackburn Rovers centre-back has been coveted by a number UniBond League sides so manager Mark Patterson is delighted to have secured the defender's services for the remainder of the campaign.

The Magpies are aiming for a top half of the table finish in UniBond Division One to make sure they are in the shake-up for the league's restructuring at the end of the season.

So Hill's decision to commit himself to the Victory Park club is a major boost for Patterson.

"We need to finish in the top half, it's as simple as that" said the boss, who takes his side to Bishop Auckland tomorrow.

"Keith putting pen to paper is great news for us because he is an important part of our team."

Patterson has been further boosted by the news that defender Jamie Bates returns to the squad after a lengthy injury lay-off and former Bury defender Andy Woodward is also in contention.

However, striker Andy Mason is missing due to work commitments while midfielder Steve Gill is suspended.

Patterson is expecting a tough game against a Bishop Auckland side who Chorley beat 2-1 at Victory Park in December.

"I'm expecting an aggressive game on a bogey pitch. It's going to be tough but Bishop Auckland are the sort of team we need to beat to start climbing and get in to the top half of the table."

Meanwhile, Patterson is looking to bring in a goalscorer to share the load with current strikers Ian Barker, Andy Mason and Dave Eatock.

"The three have all done well for us this season but we still lack an out-and-out goalscorer. I'm hoping to bring someone in sooner rather than later to bolster our attack."

Meanwhile, Chorley youth team player Bradley Dowling has been invited to play for Rangers youth against Greenock Morton this Sunday, following a series of trials in Glasgow.