NEW signing Jamie Philpot earned praise from Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt after playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-2 draw with Harrogate Town last Saturday.

Striker Philpot signed for the Bluebirds on non-contract terms ahead of the Vanarama National League game at Holker Street, having played for their divisional rivals Bromley earlier in the season.

Evatt had little hesitation in giving the 22-year-old a start against play-off chasing Harrogate and was pleased with what he saw.

“I thought he did well, he looked lively, he looked sharp and he will get better too as he gets fitter,” said Evatt.

“He stretched their back four really well; he’s a handful and combined well with our midfielders at times so that is definitely a positive.”

There were some promising signs on the injury front too as several of the Bluebirds’ players who have been out of action recently were spotted being put through their paces before the game.

Evatt confirmed they are not far away from a return, with Sam Hird having already made his comeback.

“Some of the lads are in the late stages of rehab, they’re back on the grass which is a good thing,” said Evatt.

“Obviously we had Sam back against Harrogate and hopefully we will have a few more back in the next week or two, so there is going to be competition for places.

It’s nice to have names to choose from and when we have everyone fit, which we haven’t really had all season, we’ve got a strong squad to select from.”

However, Barrow will be without Luke Burgess after they confirmed the midfielder had been recalled from his loan deal by parent club Wigan Athletic.

Burgess made a total of 24 league appearances for Barrow, scoring once.