Guiseley’s instant loan hit John Rooney may stay longer as Lions target safety

Pic: Charlie Waugh

CONTRACT rebel John Rooney sent shockwaves through the division when he left for relegation strugglers – and now their manager Adam Lockwood refuses to rule out keeping him for next season.

The Player of the Month has been outstanding for the Dragons as they have cast aside any thoughts of finishing in the bottom four.

But he has so far refused to sign a new deal and manager Dean Keates doesn't want the player who controversially joined from bitter rivals in the summer at the club until he has.

Lockwood got wind of the situation and put in some calls and with the brother of England captain Wayne Rooney close with the Lions manager, he was quick to agree to a loan move.

The 26-year-old had an immediate impact on Tuesday night as he scored a last minute winner against Sutton United to give Guiseley genuine hope of avoiding the drop with a 2-1 win.

Lockwood won't rule out Rooney staying longer but a lot depends on what happens over the next few months.

“When I heard it was a possibility I knew I had to try,” said the boss, who took over from Mark Bower in late August when the club had no points on the board.

“I know John, we played together at Bury, and I know he wants to play somewhere where he can enjoy his and get his head down. He did superbly for us on Tuesday, it was an important three points.

“John has a situation at Wrexham but I know what he can do, we're clearly more than happy to have him here. It could be a big signing. It's very rare that a club in the relegation places gets the chance to sign the league's Player of the Month. It's a boost for us as he's top quality.

“We have a relationship so we'll see how things are in the months ahead. We'll sit down in the summer and see what's happening with him. I wouldn't rule out him staying full-time but it's certainly not a decision we can make now.”

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