PAUL Mullin has urged Accrington Stanley to make Ian Craney's loan spell at the Fraser Eagle Stadium a permanent move.

Craney has been a success for the Reds in his loan stint from League One side Swansea, scoring two goals in seven appearances and adding an extra attacking dimension to Stanley's game.

But the 25-year-old's spell ends in the new year, at which time he is likely to want to sort out his long-term future after slipping out of the first-team picture at Swansea.

With Craney likely to court interest from plenty of clubs, striker Mullin is hoping Stanley can match the midfielder's demands and bring him back to Accrington on a permanent deal.

Craney made over 100 appearances for Stanley in his first spell, before completing a £150,000 move to the Swans in January this year, and Mullin believes Accrington is the rightful home for the creative Liverpudlian.

"I'm sure Ian is ambitious and wants to play as high as he possibly can," said the veteran Reds man.

"But if he's likely to stop in League Two, I'm sure he's happier here than he could be elsewhere because he knows the club extremely well.

"If the gaffer and chairman can tempt him to stay permanently, that would be great.

"The lads want him to stay, he's such a popular figure around the club."

Craney's goals have proved useful in recent weeks, and Mullin admits that the midfielder has had a positive impact at the club.

He added: "It is not just Ian's talent and ability on the pitch.

"It's also his influence off the pitch, around the training ground and dressing room."