Phil Brown says he wants his players to be committed to the team and not just themselves as Barrow AFC’s survival bid continues today.

The Bluebirds host League Two leaders Forest Green Rovers (Dunes Hotel Stadium, 3pm) desperate for a result to boost their safety chances.

Manager Brown believes he has the players to get the job done.

But he says the team ethic must be paramount over the remaining six fixtures.

“I don’t want selfish players. I want players who are going to commit to the cause,” said the AFC boss.

“I don’t want players who are going to commit to their own game. I’ve got to find out the players who are playing for the club, the badge and then themselves.

“If you’re playing well you’re going to get some benefit from that but it’s the team that needs the benefit, not you.

“It’s the part I’m trying to emphasise and get through to the players – we’re playing for the future of the club here. To be in the EFL, in League Two, not to be in the National League.

“That’s what they’ve got to focus on, not, ‘Oh, I scored a goal or created this chance or had a good game...’

“It’s not about individuals now, it’s the collective. We have got games, that’s the main thing, albeit every game’s difficult and will throw up a challenge, but we collectively have the group that can do it.”

Brown could have defenders Connor Brown and Patrick Brough back today to face Rob Edwards’ title-chasers.

While Barrow are out of the drop zone on goal difference, this afternoon’s opponents are ten points clear of the play-off places and have lost just once on their travels all season.

While there is a question mark over the fitness of key frontman Jamille Matt – with top scorer Matty Stevens also sidelined – Brown says he is preparing for all eventualities.

“I’ve had them watched on three occasions,” he said. “We watched them against Scunthorpe and it was a horrible game, a game of a team fighting for survival, doing everything they could to make it ugly and unpredictable, and knock Forest Green off their stride, and they did sufficiently – Forest Green went to that level but still won the game 1-0.

“Against Hartlepool there was an awful clash of heads, between the centre-half and the big striker Jamille Matt, and unfortunately Jamille limped out of the game, 15 minutes into it.

“There was talk of concussion and stuff like that. I’ll believe the concussion conversations when I get the team sheet and not before.

“They can play from the back and pass through the thirds and also hit the frontman, but if he’s not there it’s a different argument. We’ll prepare for both eventualities.

“The other striker [Stevens] limped out with an ACL. In as much that they’re possibly without 35-40 goals up front, I’m catering for that but never in a million years is it going to be an easy game.

“They’ve got a team behind that strikeforce and whoever plays up front will cause us a problem.”

Brown is also hoping for vocal backing from Bluebirds supporters in another game which will be crucial to their survival chances.

The manager faced the frustration of travelling supporters after the defeat to Crawley last weekend.

He said: “I want the supporters to be vocal. I’ve never shied away from vocal supporters.

“The bottom line is I’ve walked through the doors here three weeks ago and had three games, but they’ve had 40 this season and they must be up to the eye teeth with it, seeing lacklustre performances, etc.

“I’m hoping and praying that in the next six games you will not see any lacklustre performances, you’ll see performances on the front foot, getting in the faces of opposition and playing some football when we get the ball.

“But all I’m really bothered about is the result.

“I understand their frustrations 100 per cent, and they can vent them without fear of contradiction from me, because players need to hear it.

“At same time, I’ve had three games to have a look at it, and we’re in this situation because of the 40 games not the three.

“Let’s get behind the boys if we can and then if they want to vent their spleen at me at the end of the season, please do.

“But we need support, vocal support and hopefully they do get behind the boys on Good Friday.”