Colin Kazim-Richards says forgotten striker Ryan Loft can have a massive impact in their relegation battle and praised Louie Copley for his mature performance against Shrewsbury Town.
The stalemate meant Reds moved up one place in League Two but the battle for the drop is tight, with just two points separating five teams.
But there were plenty of positives for Reds to take from the Shrews draw, including Loft’s first appearance since the 2-1 defeat to Barnet on New Year’s Day.
The Cambridge United loanee came on as sub with 20 minutes to go against Shrewsbury and nearly broke the deadlock with a 20-yard strike which forced visiting keeper Matthew Cox into a good save.
Ryan Loft came on a substitute against Shrewsbury Town | Picture: Grant Mansfield/Mansfield Mediaplaceholder image
Ryan Loft came on a substitute against Shrewsbury Town | Picture: Grant Mansfield/Mansfield Media
And with two vital games left, Kazim-Richards believes he can make a difference.
“Lofty can have a massive impact. He's something different,” said the Reds boss. “I've said it since I've come here, right? You show me and I give you an opportunity. And I look at the game, I just thought from last week, if we had a little bit more physicality in the box, threats in the box, a little bit of occupying, maybe one or two players, then we might have got something out of the game.
"And that's how I felt today as well. So I know he's been kind of not involved much but like I said, every man is up for selection. Every man can give his value and give his worth. If you're able to put the work in in training and in the game, come on and try and impact it, everybody's got an opportunity.”
The Reds head coach also praised Arsenal loanee Copley, who was arguably the standout performer for the home side.
Arsenal loanee Louie Copley impressed for Crawley Town against Shrewsbury Town | Picture: Grant Mansfield/Mansfield Mediaplaceholder image
Arsenal loanee Louie Copley impressed for Crawley Town against Shrewsbury Town | Picture: Grant Mansfield/Mansfield Media
On the 19-year-old, Kazim-Richards said: “I've been very impressed. Obviously he's come from an institution where I was. I thought today, changing the shape a little bit would suit him a lot and I think I was right. It gives him an extra freedom, it gives him an extra space.
"It gives him an extra outlet, an extra option when he has the ball. I think he showed a lot of maturity dropping down in the lines and being able to pick up the ball in spaces.”
Reds travel to Accrington Stanley next Saturday before hosting Salford City on the final day of the season.
Continue Reading