CALUM Macdonald has returned to Barrow AFC on loan until the end of the season.

The versatile Derby County youngster played in 10 consecutive matches for the Bluebirds during a two-month spell before returning to the Championship club last week.

Macdonald could go straight into the AFC squad for tomorrow's National League clash against fellow strugglers Hartlepool at Holker Street (kick-off 3pm).

The 20-year-old featured on the left side of defence during his initial spell with Barrow, and scored a vital goal in the 3-3 league draw at Wrexham on New Year's Day.

His last match was the 2-0 FA Trophy defeat against Brackley Town on January 16, with two subsequent postponements in the league robbing the Rams player of more game-time.

Barrow have three other loanees currently at the club – winger Chris Humphrey (from Bury), forward Luke James (Forest Green Rovers) and defender Ollie Cook (Southampton).

Goalkeeper Steve Arnold could be set for a home debut against Hartlepool after playing in last week's 3-1 defeat at Torquay United. Victory for Barrow – which would be their first in the league on their own turf since late October – would see them leapfrog their opponents in the table.