MACCLESFIELD TOWN'S play-off hopes have been given a big boost after the club brought back winger Jack Mackreth on loan.
Mackreth was a key player for the Silkmen in the first half of this season and starred in the televised FA Cup tie against Oxford United.
His performances attracted the interest of League One side Bury and the Shakers signed the former Tranmere, Barrow and Grimsby man on New Year's Day for an undisclosed fee.
He made his Bury debut the same day but has only made a further two appearances since then and he has been allowed to return to Macc until the end of the season.
The 24-year-old returned to the Moss Rose in the summer after leaving National League rivals Tranmere Rovers and made 26 appearances in the first half of the campaign.
Mackreth made his return on Tuesday night, playing in the 1-1 draw against in-form Gateshead that leaves Macclesfield eight points adrift of the play-off places.
Crucially, the Silkmen have games in hand over their rivals but they also have the FA Trophy semi-finals to think about with the second leg at Tranmere this Saturday.
While Mackreth is ineligible for that game, Macc boss John Askey will be hoping Mackreth's return can inspire his squad to get back in the promotion hunt.
A club statement confirmed: “Macclesfield Town are delighted to announce the return of winger Jack Mackreth on a loan deal from EFL League One side Bury.
“The former Silkmen winger, who left the Moss for Gigg Lane at the start of the January transfer window will be with John Askey's men until the end of the 2016-17 season.
“Mackreth's return will be a big boost for the Silkmen given his impressive form in the first-half of the campaign. (The) 24-year-old Mackreth rejoined the Silkmen in the summer after leaving Tranmere Rovers and made 26 appearances during the first-half of the season, scoring one goal for the club.”
