Mark Yates has revealed his desire to bring Rhys Murphy back to Crawley Town when his loan ends next month.

The Shoreham-born striker is set to return to Oldham Athletic after the trip to Barnet on December 19th but Yates has already enquired about resigning him when the transfer window opens again on January 1.

Murphy took his tally to six goals in 11 league games for Reds with a quickfire brace in the 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers with Yates describing his performance as his “best by some way” since arriving from Boundary Park in September.

Yates said: “Rhys has been a good addition to the squad and I had spoken to David Dunn (Oldham boss) about the possibility of taking him on loan again even before the game on Saturday.

“He led the line really well and looked bright and lively so we’ll see where we go. We’ve got him for another four weeks but we’ve put the wheels in motion so hopefully something can be sorted out.

“Obviously we’ve got to try to find the money but if he keeps putting in performances like that then hopefully the board will sanction it as I thought he was outstanding.”

Murphy had gone four weeks without a goal but scored twice in the space of 56 seconds when he followed up a poacher’s finish with a viciously dipping shot from 25 yards which surprised Lee Nicholls in the Rovers goal.

The 25-year-old was quick to lavish praise on the rest of the team following a sixth win in nine league games and also hinted he would be keen to extend his stay at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.

Murphy said: “We really came out of the traps against the wind which was important and on a personal level it was nice to get back on scoresheet having not scored for a while and to help the team pick up three points.

“I was feeling good after scoring the first goal and thought maybe the goalkeeper was not expecting a shot and tried my luck. Sometimes they can go anywhere but fortunately it flew in the back of the net and it gave us a bit of a cushion so we could relax.

“We really had to dig deep in the second half as they came back at us strongly as we knew they would but from No.1 to No.11 along with the subs that came on the whole team was outstanding.

“I’m really enjoying my time at Crawley so my aim is to keep scoring and then see what the situation is when my loan runs out. Everyone has been fantastic at the club and made me feel really welcome and I’m glad I can repay them with a few goals.

“Hopefully they think I am playing well enough to want to keep me.”