ACCRINGTON Stanley are plotting a potential return of wing wizard Gary Roberts.

The 23-year-old, who left Stanley to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with Ipswich Town in the last January transfer window, has struggled to nail down a first team place with the Tractorboys this season.

And after regaining the services of former midfielder Ian Craney, on loan from Swansea, earlier this term, the Reds are weighing up the option of making another temporary swoop for Roberts.

"I keep in touch with Gary anyway, and we are monitoring the situation," said Stanley's assistant manager, Jimmy Bell.

"Ipswich have more or less said they are prepared to listen to offers. We wouldn't be able to afford him, but the next option would be a loan.

"He is the kind of player that we would like. We're looking for a left-sided player and he fits that bill.

"Gary's played in Ipswich's last three away games, but their away form's very poor and their home form is very good so he has found himself a bit trapped.

"Plus they play a different sysem that just hasn't really suited him."

Roberts, who was a key component in Stanley winning promotion back to the Football League in 2006, has been the subject of interest from several Championship and Premiership clubs. Glenn Roeder was reported to be tracking the former Welshpool star while he was in charge or Newcastle United.

Now he is in much closer proximity to Roberts' current club, as manager of Norwich City, he may be even more encouraged to make an approach.

But Bell added: "If it was down to Gary, I think he would jump at the chance to come back.

"But once agents and other clubs get involved, it's not easy to compete with the bigger teams."