JAMIE Speare is expected to return to his duties with Evo-Stik League First Division North side Cammell Laird tomorrow, but he has insisted he will always be available to help out Accrington Stanley after his shock return to the club for last weekend’s FA Cup tie against Notts County.

The 35-year-old rejoined Stanley on non-contract terms in time to be named as the Reds’ substitute goalkeeper in their 4-1 loss at Meadow Lane – with boss John Coleman only having one keeper, Sean Murdoch, at his disposal following an injury to Ian Dunbavin.

But Dunbavin is likely to be back in the Stanley squad for tomorrow’s League Two match at Macclesfield after recovering from a gash to his leg.

That means the Reds are unlikely to call on Speare, a popular figure during two previous spells with Stanley.

But the keeper – assistant manager to Tony Sullivan at Cammell Laird, who travel to Ossett Town tomorrow – remains registered with Stanley and could be needed again later in the season should Murdoch or Dunbavin be unavailable.

“It would mean an injury to either Sean or Ian and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” said Speare.

“But whenever John and Jimmy Bell need me all they need to do is call me.

“I got a call from Jimmy last Monday. It was the usual pleasantries at first and then he asked if I could do him a favour.

“I thought he was going to ask me to play for the over the hill mob at the weekend!

“He asked what I was doing on Saturday. I said I was supposed to be painting the kids’ bedroom but he said, ‘Do you fancy being in the squad for Notts County?’.

“It was a fantastic opportunity so that the kids’ bedroom had to wait!

“It was weird to be back but if they’d needed me to go on I would have been okay. I wouldn’t go into anything if I thought I would make a fool of myself.

“I think that will probably be it now. I haven’t heard form Jimmy since Sunday morning and hopefully Ian Dunbavin will be fit for his sake.

“I’m not totally sure how it works but I think I’m registered until the end of the season. If they need me again, as long as they give me enough notice and I’m not doing anything that day, I’ll happily help.”

Stanley have extended Will Hatfield’s loan from Leeds until January.