John Gregory believes the return of Kyle McFadzean will be a huge boost to Crawley.

The big centre-back missed the Boxing Day defeat to MK Dons due to a one-match ban for picking up five bookings.

But McFadzean will be back in the team for tomorrow’s visit of struggling Notts County when Crawley’s numbers will be stretched further.

The Reds’ matchday 18 against MK Dons comprised every professional player they had available.

Although McFadzean now comes back into the fray and there is a chance regular captain Josh Simpson may return from a hamstring injury, boss Gregory will be without the injured Dannie Bulman and Billy Clarke, who starts a three-game ban following his red card on Boxing Day.

A gloomy Boxing Day for Reds

McFadzean was dropped by former boss Richie Barker for the first time in his Crawley career following a wretched run of form.

But Gregory has been impressed by a player who was the subject of a number of sizeable bids before being sidelined by a virus for six months last season.

The Crawley manager said: “We missed big Kyle in the heart of our defence (against MK Dons).

“Certainly since I have been here I have been very impressed by his performances.

“We will have Fads back. There is a chance Josh Simpson could be back, Emile (Sinclair) will be ready and Nicky Adams will be ready.

“My boys are ready regardless of what our numbers are.”

Nicky Adams went off early on Boxing Day after taking a kick in his back but he is expected to play after intensive physio treatment.

Bulman suffered a fractured cheekbone which is a blow to Gregory.

The Reds boss said: “Dannie will be a big miss for us. He has been brilliant in the three games I have been in charge of since I have been here.”