LUTEL James has played alongside prolific centre forwards such as Geoff Horsfield and Andy Preece, but he has labelled Paul Mullin as his best strike partner of all time.

The duo were a formidable combination in over three seasons together at Accrington Stanley before James was officially released in the summer after breaking his foot on loan at Droylsden in early December last year.

Mullin celebrates his 100th Conference appearance tonight when the Reds entertain Forest Green Rovers (kick-off 7.45pm). But James has backed him to go one better and match that milestone should he ever progress to the Football League.

Stanley, who celebrated their Conference century by toppling leaders Grays Athletic last weekend - with the help of Mullin's 43rd Conference goal, have set their sights firmly on promotion this term.

But James reckons that, should they fail to make the step up, it would be a great loss to football if former Clitheroe and Radcliffe Borough striker Mullin missed out as well.

"Playing alongside Paul was the best partnership I ever had," said the former Bury striker, who was this week released by Conference side Altrincham by mutual consent.

"I played with Geoff Horsfield for two seasons at Guiseley and Andy Preece at Bury. Preece has made a good career out of football, but I don't think he is anything compared to Paul Mullin.

"He has everything a team would want in a player. Sometimes you get strikers who are selfish, but Paul's not one of those.

"I heard about the run he had without scoring this season, but that doesn't make any difference because of all the other things he brings to the team.

"He has got his fair share of goals already in the Conference. But he has also got them when everyone else has dried up. He will always dig deep and come up with a goal when it's needed.

"There are not many strikers better than Paul in the Conference, and he could be the best in the next league up because he has so many dimensions to his game. He is strong and mobile and has more than one asset - unlike most other targetmen.

"If all you can offer to a team is goals, you've got to worry when you're not scoring. But with Paul, you can look at one million and one other things he has in his game, and there aren't many players who can do that.

"I hope Stanley go up, especially for Paul's sake because he deserves to play at a higher level. And if they do get promoted, they will owe so much to him because he has been consistent for years.

"He has given them loyalty, 110 per cent effort and goals.

"Even on the training ground he gives 110 per cent. He gets angry if he misses chances or feels that he has been mediocre."

But James believes that it is Mullin's personality that has made him the player he is today.

"What you see with Paul is what you get," the 33-year-old said.

"He's an observant guy, he's got manners for everyone and he will help everyone.

"He isn't selfish in anything. He has got a good heart and is genuine.

"Out of all the players who I've played with over the years he is a complete person and a complete player.

"I'm not surprised at all that he has played 100 Conference games and scored the amount of goals he has. He will go on to score a lot more as well."