SAMMY McIlroy wants Craig Stanley to watch his step without taking anything away from his game in order to avoid a suspension as the Conference season turns red hot.

The midfielder, who has been in awesome form since signing from Hereford United, avoided a red card by the skin of his teeth at Forest Green on Saturday.

He had been booked early in the game when he cheekily stole the ball out of the hands of Green keeper Ryan Robinson in the second half. Instead of a second yellow card followed by a red, refereeAndy Turner lectured the England non-league skipper.

"He could have gone and it would have been a shame," says McIlroy. "He had been booked for nothing in the first half - but when you are on a card you must be careful.

"I keep telling Stan to be careful. He is a wonderful player with wonderful energy - but sometimes a little niggle, a little silly thing, can get you in trouble with referees.

"I wouldn't want to see that, although I would hate to see him lose anything from his game."