JOHN Coleman remains confident that Matt Crooks will see out the season with Accrington Stanley.

There had been speculation that Crooks and Josh Windass, who both have pre-contract agreements with Rangers to move at the end of their deals in the summer, could leave for a nominal fee during the January transfer window.

Such a scenario now seems unlikely for Windass as he is sidelined with a groin injury.

And Coleman is not expecting an early exit for Crooks either.

The club has not received any further contact from Rangers, and asked if he envisaged the midfielder leaving before the window shuts the Stanley boss said: “No.”

Striker Adam Morgan is, however, one player leaving the club after making just three appearances for the club this season - the last in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat to Bury on September 1.

Coleman this week strengthened his squad with the signing of midfielder Scott Brown on a free transfer following his exit from Grimsby Town.

And he remains on the look-out for further additions, with defender Mark Hughes - a former Reds loanee - a possible signing following his release from Stevenage by mutual consent this week.

Stanley could look for cover at the back after experienced centre half Dean Winnard was ruled out for three months with a chest muscle injury.

Meanwhile, Brown could make his debut at home to Bristol Rovers tomorrow, but Coleman said that there was no guarantee of any new signing going straight into the team.

“With games coming up thick and fast it’s vital you get players used to the way we play rather than when you need it having to run out and panic and try to find a replacement, and then you’re bringing someone in who doesn’t know the way you play and thrusting them straight in,” he said.

“If they’re working with us on a daily basis by the time they are called upon they should be well versed in what’s required of them.”

Meanwhile, Coleman has called for a response from his players following defeat away to Exeter City last weekend.

“For the good teams one (defeat) doesn’t become two,” he said.

“This season this group of players has been quite good at bouncing back so we’ve got to hope that the same applies on Saturday."