GARY WILLIAMS is hoping to play his way back into the plans of Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman during his loan spell at Rossendale United.

The 22-year-old striker has been pushed out of the first team reckoning by the form of Paul Mullin and Lutel James who have scored 26 and 21 goals respectively this season.

But a move to UniBond first division side Rossendale - who play a league below Stanley - could boost his form in time for the side's two cup final appearances.

"I just want to get some regular games," said Williams, who lives in Burnley. "Rossendale are pushing for the play-offs at the moment and Jim (McCluskie) said he needed someone up front.

"I said yes. There was some hesitation at first but I played with Jim at Morecambe, and I know (assistant manager) Andy Grimshaw as well, and after I spoke to him I decided to come."

Williams has a proven track record at first division level. He scored 24 goals during the Reds' promotion campaign of 1999-2000.

He returned to the Crown Ground late last season in a £30,000 deal less than a year after a £60,000 transfer to Doncaster Rovers.

But he rocked the club just weeks into the new campaign by asking to be put on the transfer list when it became clear Stanley were unlikely to get promoted.

He said he wanted to play at a higher level and went on a month's loan to Conference side Southport and Chester.

But the move didn't work out and just weeks after his return he came off the transfer list and is now back in contention for the first team.

He came on as a second half substitute in the 2-1 UniBond Premier Division win against Gateshead on Tuesday but is finding it difficult to dislodge Mullin and James from the striker berths.

"At the moment it is hard at Stanley with Lutel and Paul Mullin up front. I'm not getting regular games and I'm having to fight for my place," he said.

"I'm just excited to be playing again but I want to get back for the cup finals.

"If I play well and score a few goals John Coleman might see me doing well and that can only help me."

Stanley face Bradford Park Avenue in the final of the UniBond League Cup and will meet Barrow in the final of the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy, both at venues yet to be decided.

"It is very exciting. It's a good thing for the club and the fans," Williams continued.

"I think the Lancashire Cup is the biggest and hopefully we can win it. Morecambe was being mentioned as a possible venue which would be great. It is between the two clubs and I used to play there."

Williams will go straight into the Dale squad for the game at Spennymoor on Saturday and with Jim McCluskie's side having difficulty scoring goals, he is likely to start the game.

Rossendale have scored just once in their last four games.