STRIKER Dan Cockerline can benefit from his one-month loan deal at Stalybridge Celtic – after scoring twice in his Bower Fold debut.

Cockerline joined Celtic last week and netted a brace in a 3-3 Vanarama National League North draw with Boston United.

He will remain with the Cheshire club until the end of the month, and manager Paul Cox hopes it will prove to be a fruitful spell.

“Dan did well on the weekend and scored two on his debut,” said Cox of a player who joined Barrow from Northwich Victoria in October, but who has yet to feature for the Bluebirds.

“He's come on leaps and bounds in training, but he needed some games under his belt. He's getting stronger, he's getting that little bit of know-how now about what we want from him. Now, it's just a little case of going away, finding himself, scoring a few goals, and coming back with a real focus.”

Cox stands why Cockerline wanted to get some game-time under his belt, with Byron Harrison and Richie Bennett cemented in the starting line-up for Barrow at present.

Ross Hannah and Harry Panayiotou are also awaiting their chance in the first-team, so the former Sheffield United trainee opted to spend time at Stalybridge.

“It was predominantly his idea,” said Cox. “He is champing at the bit and the problem we have at the minute is that our front two are playing well, scoring goals. You've got to feel sorry for Ross Hannah, and Harry as well, who has been one of our best trainers and who has been unlucky as well.

“It's about biding their time. I'm sure there will be an opening at some points, and I'm sure when there is they will take it.”