Barrow AFC manager Ian Evatt is pleased with the balance Patrick Brough brings to his team, after the defender’s return to the side in last Saturday’s FA Trophy tie against FC United of Manchester.

The 23-year-old had missed the Bluebirds’ previous three games due to a groin strain picked up at Hartlepool United just before the turn of the year.

His return against the Rebels was around a week ahead of schedule and Brough slotted back into his familiar role on the left of AFC’s back three, while also demonstrating his confidence in striding out of defence.

At no point was this clearer than when his superb cross led to Barrow’s fifth goal of their 7-0 win against the Red Rebels.

Evatt said: “Patrick’s a good player. He gives us some more balance, being left-footed, he can step out into midfield really well, he’s dynamic, he’s quick and he’s improving really fast.

“He’s a young player that’s listening in and learning every day, he’s improved this season and the position seems to suit him down to the ground.”

There looks set to be a really close race as to who is going to be Barrow’s top scorer this season, after John Rooney’s latest two goals against FC United put him on to 17 goals for the campaign, level with Scott Quigley.

Evatt joked: “It looks like they’ve stopped passing to each other, to be honest. I think Quigs passed it to Roons for his first goal, but then Roons had the chance to pass it him a couple of times in the second half and didn’t. That’s something we need to work on because that’s important in league games, when chances aren’t going to come as freely as they were last Saturday.

“When we get into that final third, we need to make the right decision, whether it’s a pass or to shoot, or to dribble. That’s something we’re working very hard on at the moment in training.”