BARROW AFC's defence has become even thinner on the ground after Myles Anderson left Holker Street for Torquay United.

Anderson was always the fifth defender in manager Paul Cox's back-four, but was seen as vital back-up in case of injury or suspension affecting one of Moussa Diarra, Danny Livesey, Nick Anderton or Shaun Beeley.

However, the 27-year-old former Blackburn Rovers man, who arrived at Barrow in October after spending three seasons in Italy, made only a single start for AFC – in the FA Cup first-round replay against Taunton Town, when Diarra was absent due to a family bereavement in France.

That was his only Barrow appearance, with 16 unused substitute marks next to his name as well.

Torquay spotted an opportunity to add the former Exeter City player to their defensive ranks and approached Barrow to offer him more regular first-team football.

Cox has already reaffirmed his desire to bring in two new defenders either on loan or permanent deals this week, with talks ongoing.

Anderson's exit leaves the Barrow boss with 19 fit players for the trip to Aldershot on Saturday, including two goalkeepers.