LOAN man Kingsley James has done a lot to impress Barrow AFC in his first week at the club.

The National League veteran – who at 26 has already played for FC Halifax Town, Macclesfield Town and Chester in non-league's top-flight, following previous spells at Hereford United and Port Vale – arrived at Holker Street seven days ago.

James, who has joined on loan from Chester until the end of the season, came off the bench a day later in the 1-0 win at Maidstone United, before playing the full 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw against Gateshead on Tuesday.

The England C international was a strong presence in front of the back-four throughout the game, and AFC assistant manager Jamie Day – who has come up against James in the past – has been happy with what he has seen of the midfielder in the AFC set-up.

“I’ve seen Kingsley a lot over the years, and we’ve always liked him when we have played against him,” said Day. “We knew what he could bring to the team; he’s up and down and he puts his foot in and can marshal in front of the back four.

“I thought he did really well for his debut. He came in on Saturday and he bedded in really well with the boys – I think he will be a really good signing for this club.”

James's presence allowed Bedsente Gomis to assume a more consistently attacking role in midfield against Gateshead, often pushing forward to complement Luke James and Grant Holt up front, without having to worry about the need to constantly rush back and defend as well.

Day believes that will benefit the team as a whole, and said: “Where Bes has played in the team before, it sometimes can restrict him getting forward, because we need him for both sides of the game.

“With Kingsley coming in, Bes has a bit more of a range to get forward and get in front of the front two, which is probably his best position, going to support those two.

“I think it allows that, and if we’re getting those opportunities, we need to take them now.”

Kingsley James, Luke James, Ollie Cook, Calum Macdonald and Chris Humphrey make up Barrow's quintet of loan signings at present – with the club not allowed to include more than five in any one match-day squad – something they had issues with last year, when there were more loanees than places for them.

But Day sees the benefit of each of the present group, with all but Humphrey starting against Gateshead, the Bury winger having come off the bench at Maidstone for his last appearance to date.

“The loan signings have been very good,” said Day. “I’ve been very impressed with Luke James over the three games – he’s got good movement and he scores some good goals as well.

“Ollie and Calum, since I’ve seen them, have done really well, and all the loan signings have been excellent.

“We need to keep that going, but obviously we need to make sure that we get wins now, and everyone has to make sure that they put in the good performances to do that.”