JACOB Blyth will be eased back into action for Barrow AFC after making his competitive debut for them as a substitute midweek, writes Liam Bewsher.

The striker had been out of action since suffering a shoulder injury in the Bluebirds’ opening pre-season fixture against the Furness Select, but was able to get some minutes under his belt in the closing stages of last Tuesday’s goalless draw away to Hartlepool United.

Blyth had not initially been expected to be back in action until tomorrow’s game at home to Dagenham & Redbridge in the Vanarama National League.

And while his comeback was slightly ahead of schedule, Barrow manager Ian Evatt is in no mood for rushing one of his summer signings back to full fitness.

“Obviously with no reserves it’s difficult to get him minutes,” said Evatt. “We’ve got to get him up to speed and feed him in gradually.

“It was a tight game for us at Hartlepool, so I couldn’t really get him on any earlier.

“Tyler (Smith) ran his socks off like he always does, Jacob managed to get five minutes. It’s great to see him back and he’ll be a big player for us.”

Evatt is set to field the same squad as the 0-0 draw at Hartlepool when Dagenham visit Holker Street tomorrow.

Dagenham only have five points to their name in the National League so far this season, with none of them coming away from home.

They were beaten 1-0 by Boreham Wood on the opening day, as well as losing 2-1 to both Aldershot Town and Halifax Town in mid-August at the Recreation Ground and The Shay respectively.

AFC’s only home defeat of the 2018-19 season so far came against Solihull Moors last Saturday and the hosts will be eyeing a return to winning ways at Holker Street.