Crawley manager John Hollins insists defender Ben Judge is going nowhere.

Judge, who is Reds' longest serving player, was reported to have spoken to Gravesend and Northfleet about a move this week.

But Hollins says there has been no contact from the Kent club and has dismissed the story as rubbish.

He said: "As far as I'm concerned he is here and not going anywhere. If he has spoken to them, then no one has asked me.

"Managers of other clubs are usually very good and straight down the line with telling other managers and we have not heard anything."

Judge was signed from Croydon five years ago by Billy Smith and has been the most consistent appearance-maker over the last three seasons.

The popular fullback has started seven of the nine league games Hollins has been in charge of.

Judge is doubtful for tomorrow's crucial home tussle against Altrincham after missing training this week with flu.

Daryl Clare, Omari Coleman and Leo Mendy were also struck by the virus but should be fit.

Midfielder Simon Wormull has been ruled out with a toe injury.

Hollins is hopeful of strengthening his squad ahead of the game with loan signings.

He said: "We have been trying to get people in for the Altrincham game. You always need extra personnel. Every club needs to strengthen and I am never happy with a squad because I always think we can improve.

"That is what I will be doing if and when I get the chance. We have been trying to bring people in for the last three weeks. We get close and then something happens but that doesn't stop us trying.

"Loans deals are a loop-hole we are looking at and there are also those players who have been bought out and released but you have to wait 30 days before you can sign them."

Relegation-threatened Crawley could not be meeting Altrincham at a worse time. The Cheshire club, who were promoted last season after beating Eastbourne Borough in the north-south play-off final, are in the midst of their best run of the campaign.

They have lost just once in eight league games and are on the back of a three game winning streak, which included a 5-1 demolition of Aldershot.

Hollins has told his players to let him take the pressure as they go into what is a must-win game.

Reds are four points adrift of safety at the foot of the table after four straight league defeats.

Hollins said: "Altrincham are no mugs, they are not going to be pushed over easily. We need to be big, strong and not be afraid to make mistakes.

"There is pressure on us but there is always pressure, even when you are at the top of the table. I like the pressure and I like to think I can take it off the players, which gives them a way out.

"I will take all the pressure and the stick, I don't mind that as long as we get results."