Crawley boss John Gregory has challenged Marvin Elliott to make him fall in love with him.

Elliott is set to make his debut for Reds at Preston North End tomorrow after signing a short-term contract yesterday.

The Jamaica international midfielder has been without a club after being released by Bristol City at the end of last season.

Elliott, 30, was invited to train with Crawley last week and convinced Gregory he was worth a deal which runs until December.

Gregory said: “It is not a marriage, it’s a romance at the moment. If either party doesn’t like it we can call it a day without upsetting anyone.

“That is the beauty of deals like this. Of course I’d like it to become a long-term thing but we can’t afford to take that gamble financially.

“If he impresses enough we will make it longer but that is down to Marvin. We’ll look at it again in December which is good as it throws the responsibility back to the player to earn the right to an extension.”

Elliott has made more than 400 appearances in the Championship and League One for Millwall and Bristol City but was shown the door at Ashton Gate after breaking his ankle in February.

He has won nine caps for Jamaica and played in the 2004 FA Cup final and Gregory believes Crawley will benefit from his vast experience.

Gregory added: “Marvin is like Keith Keane in that he knows what it is all about. He’s been there and done it and the fact he has experienced almost every situation before means he knows how to react.

“He brings massive experience and in League One that is what you need more than anything else. The problem is it is hard to get really experienced players of his quality to a club like ours so I’m delighted.

“He may lack a bit of match sharpness but I know there is a very good footballer in there still and it is down to me to get the best out of him now.”