FIVE strikers is just the right number for Barrow AFC boss Paul Cox – though he knows he will have to work hard to keep them all happy.

The Bluebirds confirmed the signing of former Sheffield United and Northwich Victoria front-man Dan Cockerline last weekend.

The 19-year-old 6ft 3ins-tall centre-forward became the second recruit to the AFC front line in less than a month.

He followed Leicester City youth product Harry Panayiotou – who made a little club history when he played for Saint Kitts and Nevis as they lost 1-0 to French Guiana last weekend in Caribbean Cup qualifying – in making the move to Holker Street.

Summer recruits Byron Harrison, Richie Bennett and Ross Hannah were already on board, with the former two making the preferred partnership at present. Bennett bagged his sixth goal of the campaign in the 3-0 win over Maidstone, as Cockerline watched on from the terraces.

Cox certainly has a wealth of strike options now at his disposal, but he says they will all be given their chance when the time comes, with space in the squad for each of them.

“What we have to be mindful of is, at some point, we’re going to break,” said Cox of a team currently on a 10-match unbeaten run and sitting fourth in the National League. “It has to break, we can’t be 100 per cent consistent in every game.

“What I want is people who are match-fit, match-sharp and hungry to come in and take the baton.”

Bennett’s goal against Maidstone was the first from either of Barrow’s two starting strikers since they both netted in the 2-1 win at Lincoln City four games previously.

That is one reason Cox has added to his firepower with Panayiotou and Cockerline, and one reason why he is glad the likes of Paul Turnbull, Jordan Williams and Danny are capable of chipping in with goals of their own.

“Our strikers aren’t going to score every week,” Cox said plainly. “That’s why we need people to chip in from centre-half, from midfield.

“It was lovely to see Ross Hannah on the pitch on Saturday and on Tuesday. He was in my thoughts to start against Maidstone, but I did believe that the boys who started the game last Tuesday (in the 1-1 draw against Macclesfield) needed to get another game under their belts to erase what I thought wasn’t our kind of performance.

“Richie Bennett did what he has done for all of his short career so far, and scored goals.

“Byron Harrison was leading the line excellently, and what a pleasing aspect to have someone like Ross Hannah to – at the minute – come off the bench, but also in the short, medium and long-term, to start games.

“With his goal-scoring record, it’s a nice problem I’ve got to choose which of them to play.”

He added: “It’s going to be a long season – it’s who we’re going to pass the baton on to next. Ross Hannah came on and looked sharp again. He’s got a smile on his face now he’s got a bit of time, and I’m sure he will have more game time coming up.”