GOALKEEPER Steve Arnold has been with Barrow AFC for two weeks without even a hint of action.

The 28-year-old former Forest Green Rovers and Dover Athletic stopper has not been signed an then forgotten by manager Ady Pennock, rather the team have been left kicking their heels by back-to-back postponements.

Arnold – who also signed for Pennock at both Forest Green Rovers and Gillingham, from where he was released by mutual consent last month – is praying tomorrow's trip to Torquay United does not go the same way as the match at Guiseley a fortnight ago and last week's scheduled Holker Street encounter against Sutton United.

While he is not guaranteed a start, with Joel Dixon having worn the gloves for Barrow's last eight matches, Arnold is keen to at least have the chance.

The long trip to Plainmoor should offer him that, though he admits the extra time to get to know his new team-mates as a result of the weather-induced postponements has been beneficial.

“The first game, Guiseley, I only arrived on the Thursday,” he said. “You know what it's like when you go somewhere new; you're trying to get familiar with everyone and learn everyone's name. It probably would have been a little bit too early.

“Given it's two weeks now since I came and without a game, I'm just eager to get out there and show what I'm about.”

He added: “I'm just praying that the game goes ahead! If selected, it will be nice to finally make my debut – but that goes down to what the gaffer is thinking.

“We've got Joel here, who has been quality training with me. I'm just eager to get started.”

Arnold's arrival at Holker Street comes after a fruitless spell at Gillingham, where he played just once – in the EFL Trophy – following a summer move from Dover.

That desire to get more regular action was one factor in his move, but there was another, bigger one.

Asked why he wanted to come to Barrow – a near-five-hour drive from his Hertfordshire home, with training in Manchester three hours away – he said: “It was the gaffer really. I've worked with him before, I know what he's about and how he works, what he can achieve. That was one of the main drags getting me up here. I want to play football again as well.

“I think we have a good understanding of each other. I trust him wholeheartedly, and I would like to think that he does the same as well.

“Knowing what he can bring to a football club, I'm looking forward to working with him.

“It's a very long way to come, and I wouldn't do it if I didn't trust him. It's a good few hours from where I live, but I just want to achieve success here with him and see where we can go.”