Sparrow’s revelling on role as the middle man

The midfielder has started all 11 games since coming on for his debut against Tranmere and his equalising goal against Stevenage was his third for the club and a first at home.

The 31 year old arrived in the January window from Brighton having missed nearly a year of football, so you won’t find him complaining about a recent hectic run of fixtures.

“Ten months out and then to come here and play so many games in two months, on my personal note I’m very happy to be playing games again and thanks to Crawley for giving me the opportunity,” he said.

“It hasn’t helped lots of games being postponed, so playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, we’d like to recover a bit, but you want to be playing every game, you don’t want to be left out.”

And on being one of the elder statesmen in the side he added: “Yeah it’s nice, normally I’m on the other foot, I’ve been around leaders and people with experience as well but I’m coming here, I’m not maybe a veteran but I’ve got experience so can dictate to some of the youngsters, keep them calm.”

Sparrow admitted the whole side were “not at the races” as they failed to capitalise against a Stevenage side playing much of the game with ten.

His equalising goal came after some fine link up play with striker Paul Hayes, and Sparrow indicated it could become a familiar sight as he targets further goals.

He said: “Reminds me back in the day when he (Hayes) was at Scunthorpe with me, he’s good at linking up play, he’s found me, pulled it back well and I’ve managed to get a shot off.

“He knows what runs I make and I know where he is, he’s good at spinning it round the corner and little deft flicks, it was nice to get another goal and a first at home.”

Sparrow has only improved with games and his runs into the box from midfield have provided Reds with another attacking option, according to boss Richie Barker: “I thought he was excellent today, he’s looking a goal threat on a regular basis.”

Sparrow, who is out of contract in the summer indicated he wanted to stay when he added: “Yeah I would do if we can sort something out.”