Last updated at 13:19, Wednesday, 28 July 2010

BARROW AFC handed a debut to triallist left-back Lewis Emanuel in last night’s 2-0 pre-season friendly defeat against a talented young Blackburn Rovers XI at Holker Street.

The 26-year-old has good pedigree, having spent five years at Bradford City and four at Luton Town.

Emanuel played the full 90 minutes, but afterwards joint-boss Dave Bayliss was reluctant to answer questions about him.

The co-chief did, however, talk about Kevin Austin, who, having previously trialled at Barrow, now appears on the verge of joining Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Darlington.

“It was all sorted with Kev, we’d made as good an offer as we could, but Darlington came in at the last minute.

“It looks like he’ll be going there for four figures a week, for two days training a week.”

Barrow yesterday revealed central midfielder Ciaran Donnelly has agreed a contract with the club.

Donnelly played 68 minutes last night before being replaced by French triallist Alessi Cisoko.

Asked about the details of Donnelly’s contract, Bayliss said: “That’s our business. We’ve sorted him a contract and he’ll be here for the foreseeable future.

“Ciaran is getting better and stronger all the time and will be a good addition to the squad.”

Phil Bolland suffered a badly bruised foot last night and will miss tonight’s trip to Cheadle Town.

The side for tonight’s game will feature lots of players from Salford College, with whom the Bluebirds have close links.

First published at 13:05, Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk