JOHN Coleman has backed goalkeeper Darren Randolph to have a big future in football.

The Republic of Ireland under 19s stopper's three-month loan spell at Accrington Stanley ends tomorrow, when the Reds entertain Southport (3pm).

And manager Coleman has thanked Randolph, who will be replaced by fellow Charlton Athletic youngster Robert Elliot - who has signed until the end of December - for his efforts in helping to lift Stanley to the top end of the Conference.

"I've been really pleased with Darren. There were a few eyebrows raised when we first took him because he didn't have a lot of experience. But out of all the e-mails I received about goalkeepers, there was something that stood out about him and I was delighted when he came," said Coleman, who has forged good links with Premiership side Charlton since first being introduced to Randolph.

"He's made one or two errors, most notably Gravesend when he let his mate score one, but on the whole he has been a really good addition for us and I think he will go on to have a great career.

"He has helped (to push Stanley up the table), along with everybody else.

"He made a couple of great saves against Grays and he has been quite commanding in the area, and that's what you look for in a keeper.

"It's been unfortunate that we haven't had a settled situation with a goalkeeper. But I think it's helped having Andy Dibble here. That has definitely helped Darren's game."

But while one goalkeeper is leaving, Stanley fans will welcome another one back tomorrow, although he is in the opposition squad.

Jamie Speare enjoyed six years with the Reds, helping them to two promotions, before leaving at the end of the 2003-04 season. And he admitted he was looking forward to his return to the Interlink Express Stadium.

"There are only a few familiar faces still there from my time at the club, but it will be nice to see some old friends, including Eric (Whalley) and all the board as well," said Speare, who has struggled to force his way into Southport's starting line-up after signing from Lancaster City last season.

"I've only played two games since I've been there, so I don't know if I'll be playing tomorrow or not. But it will be so frustrating if I can't play any part in the game at all.

"I thought I might have played a few more games, to be honest, but Steve Dickinson's been steady and I haven't really had many opportunities."

Speare, whose wife Kerry gave birth to their first child, Ethan James, last Friday, added: "I would like to think I will get a good reception, but I'm expecting a bit of stick at the same time.

"The Stanley fans are known for their good natured banter with the opposition's goalkeepers and I don't think I'll escape."

Another player returning to Livingstone Road in the Southport camp is Jerome Fitzgerald.

The full back only played seven league games for Stanley towards the end of their first Conference season, but believes his experiences have stood him in good stead for the Sandgrounders' rise from Conference North.

"I was only at Accrington for a short time but I did enjoy it and it gave me an idea of what that level would be like," Fitzgerald said.