CHRIS Patterson has been released by Chorley after growing frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities.

The midfielder has found it difficult to break into the side since his namesake, Mark Patterson, took over as manager at Victory Park in November.

Patterson began his career at Chorley as a youngster before being one of many players brought from Trafford by previous boss Mark Molyneaux.

"Chris is a decent player but his game is passing and we haven't got the game to suit him at the moment," said Mark Patterson.

"We need players who will get in people's faces and grind out results. Chris said he has some irons in the fire, and he wants to be playing regularly at his age."

Mark Patterson is hoping to have most of his squad fighting fit for their early Boxing Day kick-off at home to Bamber Bridge.

The UniBond Division One derby kicks off at mid-day on Friday with Patterson hoping to have Andy Woodward, Matthew Edgington and Danny Mills back to full fitness.

Woodward has a calf strain and Edgington had an accident at work, injuries that ruled both players out of Saturday's UniBond President's Cup exit to Lancaster City, while Mills played in the game only at "60 per cent" fitness, according to the manager.

"I'm looking forward to Bamber Bridge, it should be a good game," said Patterson. "I was right down to the bare bones on Saturday so I was glad to come through without any more injuries."

Patterson will try to resist an offer from Bacup Borough for Billy McCartney (see story above).

The boss added: "I don't want him to leave the club but they've put seven days notice in, so I'll tell him and the decision will be his.