A BUSY Christmas period is on the horizon for Barrow AFC and midfielder John Rooney believes their squad has the quality to deal with what will be a hectic schedule.

Following Saturday’s FA Trophy tie against Atherton Collieries, the Bluebirds will have four games in the space of 11 days over Christmas and the New Year, starting with a key clash against fellow promotion contenders Solihull Moors.

Victory at Damson Park last season kicked off a successful festive period for Ian Evatt’s side, who also defeated Salford City and claimed two draws against AFC Fylde that could have easily been wins but for some late goalkeeping heroics.

This time, rather than hunting a play-off spot, AFC are the team that’s being chased, as they’ll be going into that clutch of fixtures, which also includes another double against Fylde and a trip to Hartlepool, three points clear at the top of the National League.

Rooney said: “We went on a good run last year over Christmas and we’ve got a good squad, with players who want to come into the side.

“We know that they’ll be up to the task when we need them and they can do the same job as the lad who’s playing and we’ve got lads who can come off the bench and change games as well.”

It is likely some of those players will be needed at Atherton on Saturday, with Evatt set to give players who have been out of the team of late, like Connor Brown, Jack Hindle and Oliver Greaves, a chance to impress.

The Colls’ Alder House ground is going to be a bit of a step into the unknown for the Bluebirds, but they can expect to be up against a fired-up side from the Northern Premier League.

Rooney said: “It’s one of those games where we’ve got to be ready. I don’t know what it’s like there, with their pitch, so we’ve just got to roll our sleeves up and go out and win the game.

“We got into every game, whether it’s in training or matchday, wanting to win. They’ll be up for it, they’re coming up against a team from a higher league, so they’ll want to go and prove themselves.”

Rooney has been impressed with his new midfield partner Tom White since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers, with the 22-year-old being named the sponsors’ man of the match in last Saturday’s 1-0 win against Aldershot Town.

“He’s settled in well,” Rooney said, adding: “He’s a top lad and he knew a few of the lads before he came in, anyway.

“He had to come in and get relaxed because we’ve got a good bunch of lads who make everyone feel welcome when they first come in and he hasn’t looked out of place, whether that’s in training or us doing stuff as a team.”