BARROW AFC boss Pete Wild says his side must be ready to match the intensity of Tranmere Rovers when the two sides clash at Holker Street today.

Rovers are currently 15th in the League Two table – some 11 places and 12 points behind the Bluebirds.

But they have seen a resurgence under Nigel Adkins – having won all four of their clashes over the festive period – making it seven victories in their last 10 games.

Wild knows it is another stern test for his side, and says they have to make sure no quarter is given.

He said: “One thing we are going to have to do is match their effort and intensity, which I think is one of the best I have seen all season.

“And when we have done that, we are going to have to make sure we impose ourselves on them and don’t let them get settled into what is a real solid way of playing.

“We always want to be the best version of ourselves at home, but we know we have to work hard to earn that opportunity.

“We have to make sure that we make the right decisions when we have the ball and that when we don’t we work very hard to stop them from getting into any sort of rhythm.

The Barrow boss has been impressed by what he has seen from Rovers under Adkins, and sees similarities between the two outfits.

He added: “I think they are outstanding, athletically and organisation wise.

“I think Nigel has done a fantastic job since going in there.

“They are robust, front-footed. They are game for want of a better phrase, and you can see exactly why they are doing well.

“They remind me of us at points in the season.”

Barrow will be without both David Worrall and Luca Stephenson for this afternoon’s game, with the duo ruled out due to concussion protocols following their head injuries in the defeat over Wrexham on New Year’s Day.