Neil Jenkins believes he can be the answer to Crawley's left-sided problem.

Reds boss Francis Vines has endured a frustrating search for a left-sided midfielder since Adrian Deane was released to make way for Richard Hodgson four weeks ago.

Hodgson switched to Cambridge United just 48 hours after signing for Reds and Vines has had a series of knock backs ever since.

Lee Elam chose Burton Albion ahead of Crawley last week, before joining Morecambe, while another target, John Martin, opted for full-time Conference south club Grays.

Jenkins was supposed to fill the position when he signed from Southend in the summer. The full-back-turned-winger started the first 11 games but has since found himself in and out of the side after a dip in form and fitness.

The 22-year-old admits he has found the step down from full-time to non-league football tough but, after impressing in the 2-1 win at Morecambe last week, he believes he is close to being back to his best.

He said: "I have found it difficult to adapt and I'm the first to admit my performances have not been good enough.

"The problem is fitness. I've gone from training for three hours a day with Southend to training three hours a week.

"I put on a lot of weight and did not feel fit, but now I'm beginning to feel like my old self. I've lost the weight and against Morecambe I felt the sharpest I've been since pre-season.

"That was a glimpse of what I can really do and now I am aiming to carry that on. I know there is a gap over on the left wing and I know I can do a job there.

"My best position is left-back which is where I played for the England youth teams, but I don't mind playing anywhere down the left as long as I'm playing.

"Hopefully now I am getting back to full fitness I can start to make that left-wing position my own, not just until the manager finds someone else, but for a long time to come."

Jenkins is confident he will shake off an ankle injury to face Scarborough at the Broadfield Stadium tomorrow. He was stretchered off with a suspected broken leg against Morecambe but suffered only bruising.

Vines will certainly need him. Leftback Sean Hankin is a major doubt with an ankle injury, leaving Jenkins as the only left-footed player in the squad. Jenkins said: "I thought I had broken my ankle when I went down and that would have been a massive blow because I've only just got back in the side.

"Luckily the X-ray showed it was not serious and it does not feel too bad. I want to play every game, especially against the big clubs like Scarborough and hopefully we can carry on from where we left off against Morecambe."

Striker Allan Tait is back in the squad after missing the trip to Lancashire due to work commitments but Rob Kember is serving a one-match ban after picking up five cautions.

Top scorer Charlie MacDonald remains sidelined with a groin injury.

Scarborough do not have injury problems ahead of the game and will have former Barnsley, Charlton and Bradford striker Neil Redfearn leading the attack.

The Seadogs are level on points with Reds and threw away a three goal lead to draw 3-3 at home against Stevenage last week.