JACK Barthram is enjoying the opportunity to embrace the attacking side of his game under Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt.

The 24-year-old has featured in four of the Bluebirds’ seven games so far this season in the Vanarama National League, including both of their games over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Having been handed a start in the 1-0 win at home to Braintree Town last Saturday, Barthram was then brought on for the final 25 minutes as a substitute in Monday’s 3-1 defeat at Salford City.

Despite the mixed results, they were both chances he relished – particularly as the former Tottenham Hotspur youth player feels he is suited to the style employed by manager Evatt since taking over at Holker Street in the summer.

“The manager likes attacking full-backs and it has always been a part of my game, and he allows me to get forward instead of being a normal rigid right-back,” said Barthram.

“I’m obviously feeling good; it’s not nice to be out the team, but the team has been doing well lately and it’s nice to be back.”

Barthram has forced his way back into the reckoning at Barrow after it looked as if he was set to leave at one point following the conclusion of the 2017-18 season.

Having originally been brought to the Bluebirds from Sky Bet League Two side Cheltenham Town during Paul Cox’s reign as manager, Barthram found himself transfer listed when the club’s retained list was announced in May.

That was despite making 30 appearances for Barrow during his first season, but Evatt gave him the opportunity to show he deserved to stay at the club and he has swiftly repaid the manager’s faith in him.

Barthram will no doubt hope to be involved again when the Bluebirds head to Solihull Moors, who occupy one of the play-off places in the early National League standings after finishing 18th last season.

AFC have picked up just one point from their four away games so far this season, which came in a 2-2 draw at Leyton Orient, although their home form has been excellent.

Barthram echoed the sentiments of Evatt in assessing Monday’s defeat at Salford and is eager to give the supporters something to cheer at Solihull.

“I think we deserved more out of the game, we just made some sloppy mistakes that we have to cut out,” said Barthram.

“We’ve won three out of three at home so hopefully we make everything good on Saturday (against Solihull Moors). Our travelling fans were excellent, I can’t fault them.”