Solihull Moors manager Neal Ardley praised Mark Ellis after the Barrow AFC loan man was handed an immediate midweek debut.

Defender Ellis went straight into the Moors side for their National League clash at Torquay United.

And the Bluebirds man helped the visitors keep a clean sheet as they came out 2-0 winners.

Barrow boss Mark Cooper has allowed Ellis to go out on loan for the rest of the season, though the Bluebirds have the option to recall the centre-half after 28 days.

Ardley, who managed the 33-year-old at Notts County last season, was impressed with his first Moors outing on Tuesday.

"Mark has come in for his debut, which is never easy - he's barely trained with the squad, only had a light session [on Monday]," Ardley said.

"He's come in and done great.

"Towards the end, when they [Torquay] were knocking long balls forward, he was winning everything.

"He's a man. He knows his job, he's a good talker and wants to head everything - wants to defend."

Ellis, who has made 22 appearances for Barrow since his move last summer, has joined a side who are now sitting ninth in non-league's top tier and hoping to push their way into the play-off picture.

"The lads look like they've got good energy levels so I know I need to get on the same level as them and see where we can go," the defender told his new club's YouTube channel.

"I think it's just a case of getting the game time. We're looking up, and if we can keep chasing the pack above us we'll be in with a chance."