ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman believes he has landed an 'exceptional talent' after singing midfielder Scott Brown until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old has been released by National League side Grimsby, but Coleman knows what he is getting having worked with Brown at Southport.

And he's convinced that the former Everton, Bristol City, Morecambe, York and Fleetwood man can make an impression with the Reds.

“I think he’s a top player,” explained Coleman. “It hasn’t quite worked out for him at Grimsby but while I was at Southport and while I was out of the Football League I was telling everyone I knew in the Football League to go and get him because I thought he was an exceptional talent.

“He did ever so well in helping us avoid relegation at Southport and if we’d had better finances in place we probably would have signed him here in the summer but it just wasn’t to be.

“I’m grateful that I’ve got the chance now and I know that he is keen to grab his chance with both hands.

“He’s a good character, he’s got a tremendous will to win and he’ll fit in with our lads seamlessly.”

Brown represented England at age group level up to the under-19s while coming through Everton's youth system, but he never made a first team appearance at Goodison.

He has suffered an injury hit campaign, featuring just four times for the Mariners, and he is delighted to be back in the Football League.

“I was at Southport with John (Coleman) and Jimmy (Bell) so I know them well,” he said.

“I went to Grimsby and we got to the play-offs last season but I broke a bone in my ankle in pre-season and so I haven’t been playing and it hasn’t worked out for me.

“Coley got in touch and gave me the opportunity to come here and it’s great to be back in the league.

“I know a lot about the gaffer and Jimmy and Accrington are obviously doing well this season.

“I obviously know Terry (Gornell), Bazza (Anthony Barry) and have played against Proc. It’s a case of trying to break into the team now.”