Boss John Gregory is hoping Mat Sadler can hit top gear at Crawley over the next month after extending his loan spell from Rotherham United.

Sadler’s initial month’s loan at the Checkatrade.com Stadium came to an end following Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Peterborough on Saturday.

Gregory moved quickly to retain the services of the left-back with Ryan Dickson unlikely to be ready to return from injury for at least two more weeks.

Sadler has helped Reds keep four clean sheets in seven appearances so far but Gregory believes he has not got up to full speed yet.

Gregory said: “I think there is more to come from Mat. Although he was with us last season he has had to get used to new people because our squad changed so much over the summer and that takes time.

“He also wasn’t playing at Rotherham at the start of the season so it has taken him a while to get up to match speed. His match fitness was down a little bit to start with but he is getting it back now so I’m sure we’ll see the Mat of old over the next month.”

Gregory had been keen to keep Sadler until Christmas but finances and the wishes of Rotherham boss Steve Evans meant that was not possible.

The former Birmingham City defender will still be available for five League One games and the JP Trophy area quarter-final against Gillingham although he will not be allowed to feature in the FA Cup.

Gregory added: “We let Josh (Wright) and Mitch (Rose) go last week which helped financially but I still have to be very careful.

“Steve (Evans) also wanted to make sure he didn’t leave himself short if Rotherham picked up any injuries but there is a good chance we might be able to extend it for another month when it ends.”

Meanwhile, skipper Josh Simpson and Izale McLeod are due to return to full training today ahead of Crawley’s trip to Notts County on Saturday.

Simpson has not featured since picking up a hamstring strain against Yeovil two and a half weeks ago while McLeod limped off with a jarred knee in the first half against Peterborough on Saturday.

Gregory added: “They are both fine and I am confident they will both be ready for Saturday.”