Boss predicts great reception as Matt Sparrow returns to Scunthorpe United with Crawley Town

FORMER Iron favourite Matt Sparrow makes his first return to Glanford Park since quitting in the summer of 2010 this afternoon.

And Scunthorpe United boss Brian Laws has hinted he may well again attempt to lure the midfielder back on a more regular basis at the end of the season.

Laws had wanted to sign Sparrow in January, after the 29-year-old had his contract with Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion cancelled.

But interest from Crawley Town, the club against whom the Iron will attempt to secure back-to-back home victories this afternoon, enabled the former Scunthorpe trainee to remain down south.

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The fact though he has signed only a six-month contract at the Broadfield Stadium means United may renew their interest in the player when the current campaign draws to a close.

"I'm looking forward to seeing Matt," said Laws, in the build-up to the Red Devils' first-ever visit to Glanford Park.

"It's a shame he's not in claret and blue but having said that, I hope he has a stinker on Saturday.

"It's his first game back and I'm sure the fans will give him the applause he deserves because he's been a real servant to this football club.

"You never know what might happen in another season. He might be back next year, you never know."

Sparrow was signed by Crawley to replace Hope Akpan, the hard-working, defensive minded midfielder who moved to Premier League side Reading for a reported £300,000 during the transfer window.

Laws thinks he will prove a more than adequate replacement as Crawley, currently 15th in the table, attempt to mount a play-off push.

"He'll give them an energy and drive in midfield but we have to be very mindful that now and again he can pop up with a goal," added the Iron manager.

"The last thing we want in his first game back at Glanford Park is for him to score a goal."