Crawley Town have boosted their hopes of staying in League One by signing former Manchester United striker John Cofie on a one-month deal.

The 22-year-old comes straight into the squad for Saturday’s clash with Gillingham at the Checkatrade.com Stadium as Reds seek to secure a fourth successive win to pull further clear of the dropzone.

Cofie joined United at the age of 14 but failed to make a first team appearance before being released two years ago. He had spells on loan at Royal Antwerp, Notts County and Sheffield United while at Old Trafford.

The former England under-17 international has spent the last two seasons at Barnsley and Norwegian side Molde without making a single appearance but has convinced Reds boss Dean Saunders he can have an impact in the remaining eight games of the season.

Saunders said: ““John is a player I have been aware of for some time. He’s got a lot of natural talent and he's been with us for a few days now and has fitted in well.

“This is a new challenge for him back in England. I’m excited to be working with him and I’m convinced he can make an impression at this level. He gives us another option up front at a crucial stage of the season.”