LEE McEvilly has a message for Accrington Stanley strike duo Paul Mullin and Lutel James: 'I want the shirt off your backs!'

The Northern Ireland international was snapped up by Stanley boss John Coleman following his release from Rochdale at the end of last season.

And after impressing in a two-month loan spell at the Interlink Express Stadium last term, McEvilly has made a welcome return.

But while his loan period saw him occupy a number of roles in the starting line-up, the 22-year-old is now determined to make his mark up front.

"I hope I'm going to be playing at centre forward," he said.

"I know there's competition for places but hopefully I won't be playing at right back or anything like that.

"All I've got to do, though, is play well and I'm sure everything will come together.

"It's just important to get in the team first and work from there."

McEvilly arrived at Stanley's new training ground at Wilson Playing Fields along with the rest of the squad for the first day of training last Thursday, fresh after a summer break.

And he revealed he was happy to return to the Reds.

"It's good to be back and get in training. It's just good to be back playing football," said McEvilly, who fell out of favour with Rochdale boss Steve Parkin.

"This time last season I was starting the season with Rochdale, but I'm happy to be back.

"I just want to play football and do well for Accrington."

McEvilly, who was signed by former Dale manager John Hollins in December 2001, played under four managers in less than a three-year spell at Spotland.

He added: "I don't regret what happened at Rochdale because I had an idea that I'd be leaving this summer so I was happy to come to Accrington.

"We're getting down to the hard training now but it should be fun.

"Pre-season is only about six weeks long then all that hard work's behind you and it's time to get on with the season."