'Who doesn't want to be a hero?', says Crawley Town boss ahead of key League Two fixture at Accrington Stanley

The Reds are 21st in League Two and hover two points above the relegation zone with two games left to play, starting at the Wham Stadium this weekend.

Kazim-Richards' side failed to aid their situation last Saturday when they were held to a goalless draw by Shrewsbury Town at the Broadfield Stadium.

Louie Watson, who struck the post late on in that game, called the Reds’ battle for survival an ‘opportunity to be a hero’ - a sentiment his boss shared.

“Who doesn't want to be a hero?” Kazim-Richards said. “I think that goes without saying, and I actually like that Louie has been able to say it because knowing Louie's journey personally a few years ago, I don't think he would have sat here and said to you that he wanted to be the hero.

“It's a chance for someone to be the hero. So, that shows me the kind of steps that he's taken to be honest, and to be able to go out and try and grab it with two hands.

“Listen, I want every single one of them to try and be the hero. Go and be the hero. At the end of the day, if you're the hero, it benefits all of us. So, that's how it is. It's a team.

“If you want to go somewhere fast, you can go by yourself. But if you want to really go somewhere and fulfil and sustain the journey, take your team with you.”

The Reds’ boss was typically coy about the availability of his squad but did confirm that Harry McKirdy was ‘fine’ after coming off with an issue last weekend against Shrewsbury.

Ryan Loft made his first appearance off the bench since New Year’s Day in that encounter, and Kazim-Richards didn’t rule the striker out of contention ahead of this weekend.

“There's a chance you'll be able to see everybody,” he said. “I've always said everybody's up for selection. I don't want to make it individual to Lofty.

“But listen, like I said, it was a big shock to everybody last week. Everybody's up for selection, including Lofty. He brings something different. He's game - very, very game.

“And like I said, I don't like to get into too many specifics. I think a lot of people do watch these interviews, because I do in terms of other teams and getting information. So, I like to keep that one in the back pocket.”

The Reds will be hoping for favours elsewhere this weekend in the contests involving their relegation rivals.

Bottom-club Harrogate Town travel to Walsall while 23rd-placed Barrow make the trip to promotion-pushing Cambridge United looking to climb out of the bottom-two.

Newport County (22nd) host Oldham Athletic and Tranmere Rovers, who moved to 20th with a win at Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night, make the journey to second-placed MK Dons in an early kick-off.

A win could secure Crawley’s safety if results elsewhere go their way too. If not, their final-day clash with promotion-contenders Salford City will be pivotal in determining their EFL status.