David Dunn says he is heading into Barrow’s historic first season back in the Football League with a squad he can trust.

The Bluesbirds boss, who leads his side into EFL action against Stevenage this weekend, has rotated his squad for their first two cup games.

Despite making eight changes, Dunn saw his side keep a second successive clean sheet against higher-league opposition.

He says the consecutive shut-outs and goalless draws against Derby and Blackpool encourage him about the depth of his squad.

“I think, as a football manager, you have to be able to trust players,” he said.

“On Tuesday night at Blackpool it just showed that I can trust another eight or nine players that we changed.

“I was really impressed with everyone, and everyone’s attitude towards it and the way they went about it.”

Dunn is assessing the fitness of some of his squad ahead of the curtain raiser at the Progression Solicitors Stadium.

Patrick Brough, Matty Platt, Josh Kay and Bobby Burns will be checked ahead of the visit of Alex Revell’s side.

“We’ve got a couple of little injury issues but generally we’ve got a decent squad, and I would fully expect whoever plays to know their jobs and just fit right in,” Dunn added.

The AFC boss has not ruled out further signings, having suggested he is open to bringing in another attacking player. He added: “We’re still looking, but I’m happy with the squad that we’ve got.

“There are probably one or two more additions that could come in but generally we are what we are now.”

While Saturday’s behind-closed-doors game represents a hugely significant day in Barrow’s recent history, Dunn says the start of the new season is also an opportunity for him to make his mark.

The former Blackburn star, who replaced Ian Evatt this summer, said he hopes 2020/21 can be a positive launchpad for his managerial career.

He said: “We speak about the opportunities for the players, but it’s a big opportunity for myself as well. I’m really ambitious. I want to do really well for the club. Let’s see where it takes us.”

The boss says preparations have been positive on the training ground as Barrow’s first Football League game for 48 years looms ever closer.

He added: “In terms of organisation, our shape, I’m pleased. We did a lot of work [yesterday] on the attacking side of it as well.

“We’re really pleased with how it’s gone this week. We just want to get ready now for Saturday and hopefully it all goes well on the day.”