ACCRINGTON Stanley boss James Beattie says he will only play this season in ‘an emergency situation’.

The former England international, 36, has not played since becoming manager 15 months ago but has given himself a squad number for the new season.

He said: “I’m dying to play but I believe my job is to concentrate on the squad and the lads.

“If I believe it’s beneficial for the team and the club then I’ll consider it.

“We have a small squad and if we have a catastrophic injury list the shirt will have to come out, but it’s for an emergency situation.”