Phil Brown says Barrow AFC will be able to field a strong side at Crawley Town this weekend - despite some players being affected by Covid-19.

The Bluebirds manager says three of his squad along with a staff member have been sidelined by the virus.

But Brown does not expect the situation to harm his ability to name a strong side for the long trip to Sussex as AFC prepare for the latest big game in their survival battle.

“We’ve got a little bit of a Covid situation regarding one or two players, we’re going to address that today and tomorrow,” Brown said this morning.

“We’ve kept away from each other in terms of distance, training-wise.

“At the moment we’ve got three players affected by Covid with one staff member as well.

“But we’ll be as strong as we need to be. We’ve got the big players who will be on the field of play, and hopefully those big players will carry us over the winning line.”

Brown is preparing his side for his third game in charge and is hoping to get some points on the board at the third time of asking against John Yems’ Red Devils.

The Bluebirds make one of their longest journeys of the season at a crucial time, with Barrow three points above the relegation zone.

Brown says the time spent on the road to Crawley can be a positive.

“The length of time on the bus doesn’t really matter any more as far as I’m concerned,” the manager said.

“I’ve managed teams like Southend – talk about out on a limb, where every away journey is six or seven hours, and it’s the same where Barrow are concerned; it’s part and parcel of the deal.

“It’s a time to get together, to let them know who you are, basically, get in amongst them, when I’m normally a manager sitting in an office and the only time they hear my voice is on the training ground.

“They can get to know me a bit better hopefully, I can get to know them a bit better, and all about character of the individual and getting through these moments.

“It’s not just individuals, it’s togetherness. We’ve got to try and pull together as a group and get ourselves over line.

“Once we do, I guarantee everyone will come and join the party.”