September has rarely been dull for John Rooney, who has bounced back impressively from the agony of a missed penalty to play a big role from midfield for Barrow AFC.

The month began with Rooney firing a spot kick over the bar with almost the last act of the 2-1 home defeat against Solihull Moors, which came in the middle of a five-game winless run for the Bluebirds.

But rather than allow this to play on his mind, Rooney went on to strike in successive matches against Boreham Wood and Maidenhead, as Barrow began to get some reward for their performances.

Unfortunately, the frustrations for the team returned in Tuesday night’s 2-1 loss against Gateshead, although Rooney again impressed in the middle of the park.

He set the tone for their fast start in that match by having a shot smartly saved by Heed goalkeeper Aynsley Pears with just a few minutes played, while the ball rarely went past him and midfield colleague Jason Taylor.

Barrow manager Ian Evatt is delighted with the attitude his man has shown, saying: “He’s got a good goal-scoring record – one of the reasons why we took him in the summer was because, in this league, he scores goals from midfield.

“Obviously, it was not ideal for him to miss a penalty in the manner that he did, but as with any experienced pro, he’s bounced back in the right manner.

“That’s what we ask of all our players.

“When you’re in the face of adversity, you need to come back with a positive reaction and I think he’s done that.”

Rooney could hardly be described as a veteran at the age of 27, but in AFC’s young squad, he is certainly one of the more experienced heads.

He is also a player with a proven track record in the National League, with him reaching double figures for goals scored three seasons running with Chester and Wrexham.

He suffered relegation with Guiseley in the last campaign, but still showed enough quality for the Bluebirds to keep him in English football’s fifth tier.

Evatt sees Rooney as someone who sets the sort of standards at the club for youngsters like Luke Burgess, Rory Holden and Tyler Smith to follow.

He said: “He’s one of the senior figures in the team and we have about three or four excellent senior players who set the right example in training.

“I, and the rest of the staff, don’t give them an inch – we are on them all day, every day to make sure they’re the best they can to improve and do well for this football club.

“John is one of those that sets that example, so I’m pleased that he’s bounced with those two goals this month since that missed penalty.”