Stafford assistant manager Darren Read has invited former loan star Christian Millar back to the club for the start of pre-season training next week.

The Rangers squad will get together and be put through their paces for the first time next Tuesday night, ahead of the new Blue Square North season.

Free agent Millar could be among them, as he looks for a new club after his release from League Two Macclesfield.

The teenage midfielder is popular with management and fans alike after three months at Marston Road in 2008/09.

He was manager Chris Brindley’s first signing when he took charge last December, becoming an ever-present in the side.

Now he faces up to the fact that his dream of the full-time game may have to go on hold for now – with first-team football at a semi-professional club he knows looking more and more of an attractive option.

There is still no final word on whether the player will come at this point, as the 19-year-old is still away on holiday.

But the Rangers No 2 is hoping to see Millar along with the rest of the players next week.

Read said: “I think Christian could well join us for training next week, but he is away on holiday at the moment. I did send him a text a few days ago, I expect a phone call when he gets back into the country.

“He did well for us last season and he is welcome here, maybe we can work something out between us.”