One of Barrow AFC's key players in their promotion from the National League will be returning next season after Matt Platt made his loan spell at Holker Street permanent.

The 22-year-old centre-back has signed from Championship side Blackburn Rovers on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Platt became a firm favourite amongst Bluebirds supporters for his performances at the back in helping their team into the English Football League.

His arrival for his second loan with the club in September last year had a transformative effect on AFC's defence, which had leaked 15 goals in losing five of their first eight games of the season.

With Platt, who previously played under Paul Cox in 2017, adding extra solidity as part of a back three, Barrow went on to lose only four of the 30 league matches in which he played.

In between his two loans with the Bluebirds he also had spells with Accrington Stanley and Southport, and he is now set to play a big part in their first season in the EFL for 48 years under manager David Dunn, who he played under with Blackburn's under-23s.

Platt is Dunn's fourth signing this summer, following midfielders Mike Jones and Tom Beadling and wide attacker Luke James.