ACCRINGTON Stanley assistant manager Jimmy Bell has backed striker Gregg Blundell to hit the goal trail during his festive loan spell at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.

The 31-year-old made his Reds debut in the 2-1 home defeat against local rivals Bury on Saturday.

There were signs of rustiness from the Darlington forward, missing a couple of golden opportunities, but he made a telling contribution in winning Stanley’s first-half penalty Blundell is expected to be given the nod again in Saturday’s League Two clash against Brentford, and Bell is certain that the Liverpudlian will score goals during his month-long stint.

“Craig hasn’t played a lot of football recently and he did look a bit rusty on Saturday,” said John Coleman’s right-hand man.

“But assessing his performance afterwards, you realise how much he put into the game.

“He’s run his socks off for us and won us the penalty.

“But I know there’s a lot more to come from Gregg. He’s a predator, a goalscorer, and he will only get better.

“I’m sure he will get his fair share of goals during his time here.”

Bell was equally happy with the debut display of on-loan 19-year-old striker Craig Mahon, who came on as a second-half substitute.

Mahon is on loan for a month from Wigan and Bell said: “Craig’s got ability, plus a lot of bottle for such a young lad.”