STANLEY boss John Coleman believes Liam Nolan will benefit from his loan spell at National League promotion-chasers Salford City.

The midfielder joined the Reds on Saturday and was an unused sub in their weekend draw with Solihull Moors.

The 24-year-old has played just five minutes of League One football this season, as a late sub in the 1-1 draw at Blackpool in August, and he has not started a game for Accrington this term.

He made 35 appearances in all competitions last season but has seen loan signing Dan Barlaser cement a spot in the starting XI this year while summer signing Sam Finley, skipper Seamus Conneely and the experienced Scott Brown provide other central midfield options.

And Coleman believes Nolan has been a victim of Stanley's increased squad depth.

"He has just been unfortunate that players have been playing in his place - the captain has struggled to get back in the team and that just shows the competition for places in midfield," said the boss of the former Southport man.

"Joining Salford is a chance for him to play some football at a good standard with a team that is flying high so I think that will do him some good."