RHYS CAN END REDS DROUGHT

MARK Yates believes loan signing Rhys Murphy can be the answer to Crawley Town’s scoring woes.

Former Arsenal striker Murphy has joined the Reds on a 93-day deal from Oldham and has pedigree in League Two.

Murphy scored 13 times in the 2013/14 season for Dagenham & Redbridge, but has struggled of late, especially since joining the Latics in February.

The 24-year-old – who actually opened his Oldham account last weekend – will be keen to return to top form and, with Crawley currently struggling in front of goal, Yates is confident he has found his man.

“I know all about Rhys, he can definitely score goals at this level,” said Yates, whose side have managed just five goals in six games.

“Goalscoring is definitely an area where we need to improve.We have made ourselves hard to beat, but we do need to get more goals, not just from the strikers but all over the pitch.

“Rhys is 6ft 1in and, not only is he good in the air, he is also an excellent footballer with good movement and physicality to his game.

“He’s here for three months and I’m confident he’ll make a good impression if we can get good service into him.”

Yates was a busy man on Thursday. As well as snapping up Murphy, the Crawley boss also secured the services of ex-Watford midfielder Ross Jenkins, 24.

“I’ve been here for nearly three weeks and I’ve really enjoyed being back in a club environment again,” said Jenkins. “I know what League Two is about.”