Barrow AFC defender Rhys Norrington-Davies has explained how having his loan from Sheffield United extended so swiftly gave his confidence a real shot in the arm.

The Wales under-21 international initially arrived at Holker Street on a one-month loan deal and quickly became an automatic choice at left-back for Bluebirds manager Ian Evatt.

Such was the impact the dynamic Norrington-Davies made in a few short weeks, his loan was extended until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has continued to impress since, with him being arguably Barrow’s best player in their most recent game; the 1-0 defeat at Ebbsfleet United on November 3.

Norrington-Davies said: “Obviously, when a manager approaches you and tells you that they want to extend your papers, it does give you a massive boost in confidence.

“The manager is backing me and I just want to now show him what I’m worth, really.

“It had always been an idea of mine to go out on loan and it was just about finding the right club and obviously with Barrow, we like to play football. It’s given me the opportunity to play men’s football and hopefully we can kick on and pick up results now.”

The loan with AFC is Norrington-Davies’ first experience of senior football, with his debut against Boreham Wood on September 15 the beginning of his growing-up process.

The teenager is not alone in being in this position, however, with Blades clubmate Tyler Smith already being part of Evatt’s squad when he arrived.

Attacking midfielder Luke Burgess and centre-back Kyle Jameson are the other players at Holker Street who are getting their first taste of first-team football, having arrived on loan from Wigan and West Brom, respectively.

Norrington-Davies said: “To begin with, it was obviously new to me, but Tyler helped me settle in, which was a big thing.

“When you’re playing with someone who you’ve known for a couple of years, you know the ins and outs of their game and it helps you during matches, and stuff. It’s great to have someone like Tyler playing with me.

“Tyler messaged me before I came to Barrow and just told me what the club is all about and from there, I couldn’t wait to get started.”

When asked what differences he’s noticed in first-team football, Norrington-Davies said: “Just that winning feeling because it is all about points in this league.

“Also, if you’re not performing then you’re not going to be in the squad the next week, so it’s just more cut-throat.”