CHESTER City centre back Matt Woods will have to wear a special gum shield at Ewood tomorrow after an accident in the bath nearly forced him to miss his big day.

Woods fractured an eye socket recently when he slipped and fell in the bath.

But the defender is desperate to play against Rovers as he lives little more than a goalkick away from Ewood Park.

And, after pleading with City boss Graham Barrow, he is likely to make the bench, provided he wears the special mouth-guard.

"I'll go along with anything as long as I get the chance to play," said Woods.

"I slipped getting out of the bath at home and fell on my face on a tiled floor.

"I didn't think anything of it at the time but then we played Hednesford the next day and I got a whack in the face.

"The X-rays showed that I'd fractured my eye socket and we originally thought I'd have to wear a face mask to protect my cheek bone.

"But the doctors have said it's the nerve damage to my teeth that they are more concerned about.

"And, if I play tomorrow, then I'll have to wear a gum shield.

"I just hope it works because I really don't want to miss this one.

"I live just two minutes away from Ewood Park and I'll have about 15 family and 15 friends at the game.

"I also know some of the Blackburn lads from going out in town and I know I won't have far to go."

Woods was offered trials by Rovers as a youngster but he opted for Everton instead.