SCOTTISH raider Euan Murray has battled his way into the Barrow squad after impressing on trial.

The 22-year-old former Motherwell and Stenhousemuir defender has featured in three of AFC’s pre-season matches – against Airbus UK Broughton, Stockport County and Nottingham Forest.

He is also set to be part of the squad taking on Bury in a behind-closed-doors match today.

Murray’s versatility across the back line – he has stood in for Nick Wilmer-Anderton at right-back in the last two matches as the youngster has a slight niggle, but can play on the left or in the middle – is one of the reasons AFC manager Paul Cox has brought him in.

That ability, which he has demonstrated over the past three seasons in Scotland, and which saw him pursue a full-time contract south of the border, also drew comparisons from Cox with Richie Sutton, who performed so well for Barrow on loan from Tranmere last season.

“Euan has grown in stature the more he has played,” said Cox. “We knew that the lad had something about him, because he played in the Scottish Premier League for Motherwell. It was only three games, but to get to that level you have to be decent.

“He’s been in the Scottish league with Stenhousemuir and Clyde, so we knew what we were bringing in when we brought him on trial.

“The thing about Euan is his ability to play all over. He reminded me of Richie Sutton a lot – and I can’t give him any higher accolade than that, because Sutts could play right-back, left-back, centre-half, central midfield and still be a seven out of 10 player every game.

“I’m looking at Euan and I think he might surprise one or two people this year, especially the players who might feel they have already nailed down a place.

“I think this lad is a better player than we have even seen so far. He’s not had a full pre-season, we’ve seen him raw and without a lot of game time, and I think the sharper he gets, the better he will become. Saying all that, I thought he was excellent on Saturday in the Forest game.

“I think there is more to come from the lad, the fitter and more acclimatised he comes to this club.

“His ability to play in all those positions and give that seven out of 10 in all those positions is excellent.”

Murray has already expressed his desire to get started with Barrow, having been part of their training and match-day squad for much of pre-season.

He tweeted: “Delighted to have signed with @BarrowAFC today, looking forward to season getting started now.”

Cox is still pursuing other avenues to strengthen his squad, though experienced front-man Emile Sinclair does not look likely to be signed on contract, despite featuring in three pre-season games so far.

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall defender Will De Havilland – who played 78 minutes for Barrow against Nottingham Forest at the weekend – is one potential avenue to go down, with several new triallists featuring today at League One Bury.