TALENTED midfielder Ryan Yates has extended his loan stay at Barrow AFC.

The Nottingham Forest youngster will stay with the Bluebirds for a second month when his initial spell comes to an end after Saturday's match against York City.

Yates has started four of Barrow's last four matches – of which they have won three and drawn one – since arriving at Holker Street in late August.

He has impressed managed Paul Cox with the speed with which he has adapted to the National league game and will now be a part of the AFC set-up until late October.

Discussions will be held nearer to the time on whether he will be eligible to feature in the FA final qualifying round on October 15.

“Forest have been brilliant with us and it's positive that he is with us for another month,” Cox said of the City Ground product.

“The first time I saw him play, I went and had a cup of coffee with the team at Forest, and I was so impressed with him. He came up against (Yohan) Cabaye and (Joe) Ledley at Crystal Palace, and I just knew what he would bring to the table. It's something a little bit different to what we had.

“In the early part, for these under-21s who come in, it's a learning curve, because it's a different kind of football. The one thing I can say is that he has had an amazing learning curve for this level of football in a short space of time. He has adapted so well, quicker than a lot of players I have taken from under-21s football.

“It's tough at this level of football and he has not just acclimatised, he has imposed himself. I know Forest hold him in high regard and think he will achieve big things and I think it is positive that he has settled here so quickly.

"He is improving as a player with every game he plays. His understanding with Al-Ray is growing. He has put in some fabulous performances.”