Yates backs striker McAlinden to get Crawley firing

Only four teams in League Two have scored less goals than Reds this season and three of those fill the bottom three places in the table.

Matt Harrold has often played a lone attacking role and looked isolated up front, especially after the promising Rhys Murphy returned to parent club Oldham Athletic in December.

In recent weeks, winger Gwion Edwards has played up front to assist either Harrold or Lee Barnard, but Yates has made no secret of his want for a new forward.

He is now hoping McAlinden, who signed on loan from Wolves until the end of the season, can help start his side firing on a more regular basis.

Yates said: “Liam is a player I have admired for a long time. He’s big and powerful but mobile and he can score goals.

“It’s been frustrating for him not getting the opportunities he’d like at a big club like Wolves and he was really keen to come where when I spoke to him.

“We’ve got him for the rest of the season which will give Liam the opportunity to get a run of games in the side and I’d like to thank (Wolves manager) Kenny Jackett for allowing Liam to come to us.

“I’d also like to thank our new owners who have sanctioned the move. Since Rhys Murphy went back to Oldham we have been a bit short up front and the new owners have recognised this and acted straight away.”

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