Ian Evatt is hoping Astley Mulholland can kick on with Barrow AFC after the midfielder finally made his debut for the Bluebirds against Sutton last weekend.

Mulholland returned at the beginning of last week from a one-month loan spell with Hyde United, where he picked up some much-needed game time after struggling for that at Holker Street, following his summer arrival from Colwyn Bay.

Now back in the fold, he was given his bow by Barrow boss Evatt when he replaced Tyler Smith in the 88th minute of the 2-1 victory over the U’s.

Evatt said: “We’re a tight group, small squad and with injuries, suspensions and illnesses etc throughout the season, people are going to get chances.

“It’s down to those players to take the chances because there’s no God-given right to wear the shirt. You have to earn the right to play for that badge and I think the lads are doing that and showing that.

“Astley came on and did OK on Saturday and it’s good to have him back involved – it’ll give him a boost and hopefully he can kick on now.”

Another player available to Evatt again is defender Brian Wilson, who successfully came through 45 minutes of the Under-21s’ match at Mossley last Friday after a two-month absence with a calf injury.

“It was good to get minutes for Brian, who’s going to be a huge player for us,” Evatt said.

“He’s a very experienced lad, very calm and composed, great on the ball, so it will be nice to have him back involved.”