Barrow AFC have handed a new deal to forward Luke James.

The 27-year-old has extended his terms at Holker Street until the end of next season.

Manager Mark Cooper today described James as a "great pro" as the frontman's extended contract was confirmed ahead of the home clash with Tranmere Rovers.

“Luke had a bit of a disjointed start to the season when he was unavailable for a stretch of games and, every time he came back, he seemed to get a little niggle,” Cooper said.

“But he’s back fit now and he’s a valued member of our squad because he absolutely works his socks off for the team.

“I think everyone has seen in his performances recently what he brings to us, so we’re pleased to get the deal done to keep him.

“He’s a great pro. He gets on great with the lads and, as a manager, you don’t have to worry about him for a second or be concerned about what he’s doing when he’s away from the club.

“You know he’s going to look after himself and you can’t have too many lads like that around the place, so it’s brilliant that he’s going to be staying with us.”

James, whose previous deal was due to run out in the summer, has made 16 appearances for the Bluebirds so far this season and has come back into the side in recent weeks, most recently helping Cooper's side to an impressive 1-0 win at Northampton Town on Tuesday.

It is his second season back with Barrow after rejoining from previous club Hartlepool United in the summer of 2020.

He had previously been on loan at Holker Street in the 2017/18 campaign.

In total James has made 80 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals.