JOSH Kay’s performance against Hartlepool United proved an encouraging one for Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt.

Former Chesterfield midfielder Kay has mainly been deployed as a central midfielder in Evatt’s set up, but has had more limited game time following the recent emergence of Wigan Athletic loanee midfielder Luke Burgess.

Kay was subbed on for the injured Nathan Waterston in AFC’s last home fixture against Solihull Moors and nearly scored, but for an impressive save by Ryan Boot, as well as creating a golden opportunity for Tyler Smith on Tuesday night in the opening minutes at Victoria Park.

And Evatt, who brought Kay with him from Chesterfield, has been impressed by his most recent display.

“He’s a very good player, is Josh,” said Evatt. “He can be used in different positions. He’s a utility player, he goes out there to do a job for the team like he did on Tuesday and has done outstandingly well.

“But that’s his requirement as a football player, to do the job that is needed and he went out there and did that against Hartlepool.”

In his first nine Vanarama National League games in charge, Evatt has rarely had a full squad of players to choose from, but he has noted that he has horses for courses and likes to use different players to adapt to opposing teams game plans.

The wing area is one where AFC have been short though, which were not helped by Rhys Turner’s injury sustained away to Leyton Orient in the third game of the season.

Astley Mulholland’s fitness issues through pre-season have seen him sent out on loan to Hyde United and former Workington forward Waterston has now suffered a shoulder injury.

That means Jack Hindle is the only out-and-out winger remaining, although Burgess and Kay have both had chances to play out wide and have impressed there.

Evatt would not be drawn on the extent of Waterston’s injury or the length of time he could be out for, as when he was asked he simply replied: “He’s injured; he has got a bad shoulder.”

However, the Barrow boss added there are positives on the other injury fronts, as former Oldham Athletic pair Turner and Brian Wilson are coming back into contention.

“The positive news is that Rhys Turner is doing really well, he’s going to be two or three weeks away,” said Evatt.

“Brian Wilson is also two or three weeks away, these are key players that are all coming back for us at the right time.

“So hopefully we can keep everyone fully fit and build on Tuesday night’s game.”