The left back has been a revelation in recent weeks as he has operated in a variety of makeshift positions and Dearden said: "That sort of player is worth their weight in gold.

"We are looking to strengthen in all areas as we don't have much cover.

"Gareth has shown how versatile he is in playing left back, left midfield, centre midfield and left centre half and has not let us down.

"He is a player who goes out and gives you 100 per cent in any position.

"He couldn't get back into the team as Dan Martin was playing very well at left back but has played all over and loved every minute of it.

"He has done very well at centre half recently."

Indeed, an unlikely central defensive pairing of Jelleyman and John Mullins combined to shut out Chester City last weekend and help record the Stags' first away League win of the season.

But Dearden is likely to recall skipper Jake Buxton to face Darlington this Saturday.

That could means Jelleyman misses out unless youngster Chris Woods is dropped to the bench and Mullins to right back.