TOP-SCORER Byron Harrison is on the brink of his return to the Barrow AFC line-up.

The star striker has been sidelined since scoring his 20th National League goal of the season in the 3-0 win over leaders Lincoln City in January.

An ankle injury picked up in that match when he fall awkwardly after being hit in the face with the ball had looked like ending his season three months early.

But fears of severe ligament damage were overcome and Harrison put smiles on many faces on Saturday as he warmed-up on the pitch ahead of the 0-0 draw with Sutton United at Holker Street.

The 29-year-old will not be back in time to feature against Tranmere Rovers tonight, but could be in the squad as early as next week and for the final 10 games of the season.

“He's light training,”said Barrow boss Paul Cox. “I saw the kid and it was quite heartening to see him volleying some balls into the back of the net with his bad ankle.

“I'd like to stick my neck out and say seven days, next week, for him to be back in and around us. But I want to make sure.

“He's running about now, he's going over hurdles, Sean (Riley, the AFC physiotherapist) has done a fabulous job with him.

“I would like to think he would be back in the frame for next week. What I don't want to do is kill the kid by putting too much pressure on him, I want him to come back ready, and if that's for the last 10 games, then that would be like signing a marquee player for those games.

“In 10 games, there will be 30 points up for grabs. We're on 55 now, that would put us on 85, and any club who gets to 80 points this season will make the play-offs. It could even be 72 to 75.”

Cox highlighted the injuries to Harrison and goalkeeper Joel Dixon – whose season was ended by knee ligament damage picked up in the 3-0 home win over Guiseley in November – as having has a big effect on his side and their form.

Added to the loan spell of Nottingham Forest midfielder Ryan Yates ending in December, he feels the team has suffered from the loss of key men.

“I think Byron gives everyone a little bit of a lift,” Cox added. “The lad’s smile is infectious. He has come out there and we are probably looking at getting him into the run of things at some point.

“This season, we’ve lost Joel for the season, we lost Ryan Yates when his loan ended, and we lost Byron Harrison. You take three top players for this level out of anybody’s side – especially a lad who is up there as one of the top goal-scorers in this league still, even though he hasn’t played for a while – and it is going to hurt you.

“There are some things this season which we have to take on the chin. There has to be a clear understanding and foresight as to what could be round the bend for us next season.

“We get Byron back, Andy Parry is not far away, and these are massive players who could really benefit us in the last 10 or 12 games.”