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Not that he's been averse to giving his new gaffer, Celts boss John Deacey, a few pointers ahead of third-from-bottom Rangers' first home game under new boss Steve Bull – in his role as an unofficial scout this week.

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The much-travelled McNiven – who recently linked up with twin brother Scott at Celtic – joined Stafford at the start of the season, opting to join the Midlanders ahead of Celtic and Halifax.

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But he finds himself back in the Broad Acres after a stop-start stint at Marston Road.

The terms of his transfer frustratingly preclude McNiven – who netted on his Celts debut in the 2-1 loss at Exeter last weekend – from involvement tomorrow.

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So he'll have a watching brief in the stands as Farsley, who beat Rangers 1-0 courtesy of a Damien Reeves goal on the opening day of the campaign at Throstle Nest, target a victory that could see them jump to safety if fifth-from-bottom Weymouth lose at Halifax.

But the flip side of the coin could see Stafford – directly below Celtic in the table – reduce the gap between the sides to just four points if they triumph.

On having a foot in both camps, McNiven, 29, said: "I've already had phone calls from Stafford, asking me what Farsley are like. And I've been reluctant to tell them!

"John Deacey has been asking me about Stafford in training and we've talked a few things over and I've let him know a little bit about Stafford and what they do."

Meanwhile, McNiven has pinpointed former York and Doncaster Rovers frontman Neil Grayson and wily schemer Kevin Street as Stafford's two dangermen tomorrow.

Both helped their side to a stunning late rally in a heroic 3-3 midweek draw at Histon to stretch their unbeaten run to four matches.

McNiven, who has hit five goals for Rangers this term, said: "Neil is still going strong at 43. He's dangerous in the air and puts himself about well.

"They've some experienced players such as Neil and Kevin in midfield – he's a tidy player.

"He's got good feet and a good shot and those two more than anything are the biggest threat."

He added: "They scored twice in the last minute in midweek and it was a great result for them.

"It's kept them in contact with everyone else, but they are chasing games really.
"I've not spoken with Steve Bull, but he will have been happy with that result."

Farsley report a clean bill of health for tomorrow's acid test, apart from Stephen Downes, who is rated at 50-50, with the midfielder still struggling to shrug off a knee injury picked up in the recent game with Aldershot.

Strikers Colin Heath and Tris Whitman have both been added to the squad following impressive goalscoring performances in the reserves, while veteran Georges Santos is expected to recover from the eye injury he picked up in last week's reverse to high-flying Exeter at St James' Park.