Dean Saunders believes latest signing Lee Fowler can make a big contribution to Crawley’s survival fight.

The experienced midfielder yesterday joined the Reds on a 93-day loan and goes straight into the squad for today’s game at home to Preston.

Interim boss Saunders has also turned Dean Morgan’s loan move from Woking into a permanent switch on a contract until the end of the season.

This move will free the Crawley manager’s hand to sign another loan player before the closure of the transfer window on Monday.

Fowler’s loan move from Conference premier side Nuneaton means Crawley now have four loan players, with Anthony Wordsworth, Lewis Price and Darren Ward also on temporary deals.

Only five loan players can be used in a matchday squad which is why turning Morgan’s switch into a permanent deal makes sense.

Fowler has a wealth of Football League experience in a career which started at Coventry and includes stints at Huddersfield, Scarborough, Burton Albion, Newport County, Wrexham, Fleetwood, Doncaster and Kidderminster.

The 31-year-old has also won 12 Wales under-21 caps.

Fowler joined Nuneaton in August and has made 23 appearances this season, scoring three goals.

Saunders said: “I have worked with Lee before and I know his qualities. He is the sort of player who can make us tick in midfield.

“This is a good opportunity for him to prove his ability at League One level. He’s a bit like Dean Morgan in that regard and I believe he can make a big contribution between now and the end of the season.”

Saunders will be working around the clock to make further signings in the next three days but is also wary about losing some of his key players.

He told The Argus: “I don’t know what phone calls I’m going to get for some of the ones we have got.

“With only three days left in the transfer window I’m hoping I don’t get some offers we can’t refuse or the club has to accept, then I haven’t got time to replace them.

“We have had a few different enquiries about some of our players. I have got some things in place just in case.

“We need to strengthen all areas – midfield, up front and at the back. I’m sure there will be some comings and goings come Monday.”