Stafford want to keep loan Rangers

Stafford Rangers have opened negotiations with Crewe to extend the loans of Harry Davis and Kelvin Mellor.

The teenage duo's loan are set to expire after the home match with Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday week, after coming in to shore up the squad days before the season started.

Both are likely to be in the team for Saturday's trip to Droylsden, Davis in central defence with Mellor just ahead of him in the centre of the park.

His midfield alliance with Ross Davidson has been formidable in the six games so far, while Davis has won rave reviews at the back after coming in to solve a defensive crisis.

The 18-year-old is gaining invaluable experience alongside captain Craig McAughtrie at centre-half, with Jermaine Johnson still not back in contention after a problematic hamstring injury.

Mellor, 19, has also become a fixture in the team, with Rangers keen to strike a deal to keep the two at Marston Road.

But much depends on whether they will be allowed to play in the FA Cup second qualifying round, which will be staged on September 25, with a threadbare squad in much need of their inclusion.

Talks are ongoing with Crewe boss Dario Gradi – always keen to get his youngsters out playing first-team football – in the hope a deal can be struck before they are due to go back to Gresty Road.

But Rangers boss Brindley wants to cross that bridge when he comes to it.

He said: "We are discussing it with Crewe, we have the FA Cup tie soon and a lot will depend on whether they are available to play in that.

"That is one that we will sort out when we get there, we have Saturday to get through first."