Croft back at Blundell Park

Gary Croft has returned to his first club Grimsby Town for a trial.

The experienced full back is available on a free transfer after not being offered a new contract at Cardiff City.

He has been training with The Bluebirds to maintain his fitness and was due to feature for the Welsh side's reserves on Monday evening.

An insurance issue scuppered that outing and he has now headed to Blundell Park to train with Grimsby.

Croft has been included in the Mariners to squad which will face his former club Blackburn Rovers in a friendly on Tuesday night.

"Grimsby invited me up for a trial and I have accepted," said Croft.

"Cardiff City could not guarantee anything long term. I need first-team football and will look for opportunities elsewhere."

Croft made over 150 appearances for The Mariners before joining Blackburn in a £1 million deal in March 1996.

He has spent the past three years with Cardiff and Grimsby boss Russell Slade is open to the prospect of signing the 31-year-old.

Slade told the Grimsby Telegraph: "Gary is available after his release from Cardiff and it makes sense for us to see what he has got to offer."