RICHIE Bennett does not foresee Barrow AFC resorting to long-ball tactics to suit his tall stature in the front line.

At 6ft 4ins tall, Bennett is wary of being classed as a forward whose only asset is his power.

Instead, the 25-year-old sees his main threat as coming from his left foot – described as “articulate” by AFC boss Paul Cox upon his signing – and with the ball on the ground.

With that in mind, the former Northwich Victoria striker, signed on a two-year deal from the Evostick Division One North side earlier this month, hopes the Bluebirds will play to his strengths – though he admits he can be used as a lone front man as and when needed.

“I think I’m better with the ball at my feet, but I’m more than capable of winning a lot of headers if I have to,” said the Oldham-based attacker.

“I think that I’m quite versatile in that way. If people want to bring it into my feet, then I think I’m better like that, but I’ve scored a few goals with my head this season with Northwich and I’ve set up a few goals with my head as well. It’s something I can do if I need to do that.”

He added: “It has been the case at times at Northwich that they have played the long balls.

“Sometimes you have to do that and you have to battle to pick up the second balls. I’m willing to do anything to get in the squad – if that means I’m going to have to win the majority of my headers, then I’m willing to do that. But I like the ball into my feet and I think I’ve got a bit of pace as well, which helps me – I can get into the channels. Hopefully I can go on and do exactly what I have done at Northwich with Barrow.”

Bennett scored 28 times in all competitions for Northwich last season – including scoring in a 3-2 defeat to League Two champions Northampton in the FA Cup.

He played alongside fellow Barrow man Jordan Williams until he moved to Holker Street at the end of January and is hopeful they can provide a fruitful link-up once more at a higher level next season.

“Jordan’s a great player with a lot to offer, he gives something else,” Bennett said of a player whose displays have earned him an England C call-up next month. “He’s lightning quick and he’s got a great left foot. I’m definitely looking forward to playing with him again. As soon as Jordan came in, we both knew where we wanted to be and where we should be at what point. We’ve got a good understanding as players with each other and I’m looking forward to playing with him again.”

Another man Bennett is looking forward to lining up alongside is fellow new recruit Ross Hannah.

Hannah arrived from Chester with a record of netting 26 times last season and with extensive National League and Football League experience under his belt.

That is something Bennett is keen to learn from, and he said: “Ross is a great signing and he’s someone I’m looking forward to meeting and playing with. He’s a proven goal-scorer in that league and I’m definitely looking forward to meeting him and learning a few things from him.

“Anything he’s got to help me improve my game, I’m more than happy to watch and learn from him as we go forward.”