PRODIGAL striker Brian Welch says he has no immediate intention of leaving Accrington Stanley again.

But the 30-year-old, who returned to the Interlink Express Stadium for his second spell last season after a five-year absence, fears he may have to move to pastures new to fulfil his desire for regular games.

Welch played the second of a two-game loan spell for Stalybridge Celtic against Radcliffe Borough last night, with Stalybridge losing 3-2 at Stainton Park.

Welch admitted he hoped the move was a temporary measure for the benefit of his match fitness.

But he added he had been disappointed to only start one game - Stanley's pre-season friendly against Tranmere Rovers - since the end of last season.

"I've just turned 30 and, at my age, all I want to do is play football," he said.

"I've spoken to John Coleman and told him I don't want to go. He said he doesn't want me to leave either, but I was gutted not to get a place on the bench for our first game at Aldershot.

"I've said all along I don't expect to start games yet because Paul (Mullin) and Lutel (James) have done a great job.

"But I want the opportunity to fight for my place and I can't do that if I'm not even getting on the bench."

He added: "I want to be part of what's going on at Accrington because the club has a lot going for it right now.

"This is what I used to dream about when things were so bad five or six years ago. I want to be playing in front of two to three thousand crowds."

Stalybridge requested Welch's services from Stanley manager John Coleman - even though the striker isn't contracted - after former Burnley hotshot Andy Payton quit the club and front man Phil Eastwood broke two ribs.

The UniBond Premier Division outfit wanted Welch on a month's loan but Coleman would only release him for two games.