ACCRINGTON Stanley have extended Nicky Hunt's loan deal from Rotherham United until the end of the season.

Hunt signed on an initial month's loan at the turn of the year but the deal was always likely to be extended, with the former Bolton right back out of first-team contention at Rotherham.

The 29-year-old spent a night in hospital at the weekend after being knocked unconscious during Saturday's draw at Plymouth, but is recovering well.

"I'm very pleased Nicky's staying," said manager Leam Richardson. "He's a very good pro and a very good player and offers a lot of experience which we need.

"Before he got injured on Saturday he was playing very well and right back is a position we've looked to fill for a lot of the season.

"To tie somebody of Nicky's experience and quality down is fantastic news for us."

About Hunt's recovery from his head injury, Richardson added: "Nicky's improving quite fast which is pleasing for us and hopefully he'll be back in contention sooner rather than later.

"With the severity of the injury you've got to leave it to the player and the medical team.

"I've known Nicky for a number of years now and as soon as he's ready to play he'll tell us he's ready to play."