Jay Lovett is relishing the opportunity of helping Crawley Town's promotion push.

Lovett left Reds in the summer of 2000 for £70,000 and signed a three-year contract with Albion's second division promotion rivals Brentford.

But the arrival of Swansea's Jason Price at Griffin Park has restricted Lovett's first team opportunities so he has linked up with his former club on a month's loan.

The 21-year-old, who started his non-league career with County League Saltdean, played at rightback in Saturday's goalless draw against Crawley's FA Cup conquerors Weymouth.

But he was in his preferred role on the right-hand side of midfield on Tuesday when Reds won 2-1 at Bath City, a victory which kept them behind Premier Division leaders Havant and Waterlooville only on goal difference.

Lovett, who has started two league matches for Brentford this season, said: "I would rather play on the right of midfield. Jason Price is playing there at the moment for Brentford, but hopefully I can do well for Crawley and get some good reports.

"Billy Smith, the Crawley manager, knows Steve Coppell really well and when the chance to come here came up I jumped at it.

"I could play seven or eight games for Crawley in a month whereas Brentford Reserves don't even play every week.

"Playing games is much better than training and I am really enjoying myself. I know quite a lot of the lads from when I was there before, but the current side is much stronger than the one I left."

Smith is delighted to have Lovett back. With defender Keith Sharman and midfielders John Ugbah and Jimmy Dack all out with knee injuries he was desperate for cover as the season enters a crucial stage.

Dack had his cartilage removed last Friday and Ugbah may shortly face surgery for a similar injury.

Lovett showed his class on Tuesday, especially in the second half when Bath launched a spirited fightback after Crawley had dominated the first period and opened up a 2-0 lead.

Smith said: "His fitness alone gives the side a big lift. Warren Waugh pulled out with flu on Tuesday and without him we had a bit of a lop-sided look, but Jay came in on the right and did an excellent job for us."

Lovett regularly watched Crawley home games with his family when he wasn't involved in Coppell's plans and keeps in touch with his old team-mates.

His contract expires at the end of next season and Smith has no doubts where he would end up if Brentford didn't keep him on and he couldn't find another league club.

"If things didn't work out at Brentford and he had no other professional opening I'm sure he would be back at Crawley," added Smith.

The Reds' boss was hoping to sign another defender in time for today's re-arranged league match at home to improving Ilkeston.

Crawley entertain County League division three side Newhaven in the second round of the Floodight Cup on Tuesday and Smith may again field his strongest line-up after Crowborough were thrashed 10-0 in a first round tie.

He added: "These games are a good training exercise for the boys, it gives us a chance to work on a few things and give one or two lads on the fringe of the first team squad an opportunity."