Manager Ian Evatt felt on-loan midfielder Tom White adapted well in what was his first match of the season during last Saturday's victory at Notts County, which took his new team to the top of the National League.

White was making his debut for the Bluebirds just one day after signing from Championship side Blackburn Rovers on loan until January 18.

The 22-year-old signed for Rovers during the summer after Gateshead's financial problems, but had been restricted to playing for their under-23s before joining to aid AFC's promotion bid.

Evatt, who celebrated his 38th birthday yesterday, said: "I thought he did great. When you've been playing under-23s football, it's not the same intensity of proper professional men's football and to come in on Friday, have only one training session and to perform the way he did and give us that effort is great.

"He deserves a lot of credit for that. He still needs to learn the system and there are still parts of his game which we need to improve, but he will improve and he will be a fantastic player for us.

"It's until January for now, but hopefully we can get him for longer. It's important, when we're in this position, that we don't stand still and rest on our laurels.

"We need to keep moving forwards, keep improving and Tom is a part of that."

With White now shoring up Barrow's midfield and adding extra strength in depth, Evatt is even more adamant he has the quality in reserve to maintain his side's position in the table.

"We've got Jack [Hindle] and Byron [Harrison] on the bench and had Josh Granite, Jason Taylor and Sam Hird not even changed on Saturday," Evatt said. "Then you've got your younger ones - your Morgan Penfolds, your Oli Greaves and your Olly Dysons who can strengthen us as well."