After having his loan spell from Wigan Athletic extended, attacking midfielder Luke Burgess wants to make the most of whatever chances he gets at Barrow AFC for the rest of the season.

Burgess initially signed from the Latics until January and did more than enough to persuade manager Ian Evatt to keep him around for the remainder of the campaign.

It’s been a big learning curve for the 19-year-old, who has had to be patient for his chances at times in the last couple of months, with the Bluebirds hitting a good run of form.

However, he believes his time at Holker Street has already done a lot to bring him on as a player and hopes the remaining months of the season will continue his development.

Burgess said: “I was buzzing when I was asked to stay – since I came in August, Pete [Atherton] the assistant and the gaffer have been really helpful with me.

“I think I’ve developed as the months have gone on and I wanted to stay and I’m glad that the gaffer wanted to keep me.

“I had a difficult season last year where I didn’t really play much, and the gaffer and Pete have brought me on loan here and hopefully I’ve shown them what I’m worth.”

While last week’s departure of Kemy Agustien was a blow for Barrow, it provided Burgess with an opportunity to get back into the starting line-up for last Saturday’s 0-0 draw against FC Halifax Town.

The teenager, who has scored twice so far this season, says he relishes the competition for places at the club, which is set to get even stiffer with Evatt still looking to bring new players in.

Burgess said: “The team’s been doing very well and every player in the team has been very good and anyone, on a given day, is capable of playing well.

“It was good to get back in the team last week and hopefully I showed enough that I’ll be able to play as well on Saturday.”

If Burgess does feature at Chesterfield tomorrow, he’ll be involved in what is a key game for the Bluebirds, and not just because it happens to be against Evatt’s old club.

With another two-week break coming up after the game, it’s vital for AFC to get back to winning, and scoring, ways after drawing a blank against Halifax and prevent the gap between them and the National League’s play-off places growing any wider.

“We’re up against a big club and we need to go there and play our game and get the three points,” Burgess said. It’s the gaffer’s former club as well, so hopefully it will be a happy return for him.

“It’s a surprise to everyone, where Chesterfield are in the league, but it just shows how tough this league is.

“Anyone can beat anyone on the day and hopefully we’ll got there and pick up the result.”