Barrow AFC have made a deadline-day move to sign experienced defender Niall Canavan from Bradford City.

The centre-half has joined the Bluebirds on an 18-month deal.

Barrow have paid an undisclosed fee to add the big defender to Mark Cooper's squad.

It adds an established defender to the Bluebirds squad for their battle to move away from the wrong end of League Two.

Canavan has been with the Bantams since last January and has made 33 appearances for the west Yorkshire club.

Those included 20 appearances for Derek Adams' side this season.

The Mail: Canavan, right, has spent the last year with Bradford City (photo: PA)Canavan, right, has spent the last year with Bradford City (photo: PA)

Leeds-born Canavan has had previous spells with Plymouth Argyle, Rochdale, Shrewsbury Town and Scunthorpe United.

Barrow said Canavan will not feature at Northampton Town tomorrow night, and will join the squad later this week ahead of Saturday's home clash with Tranmere Rovers.

His arrival strengthens Cooper's defensive ranks after the recent decision to allow Mark Ellis out on loan to Solihull Moors.

And he is the third new arrival in quick succession at Holker Street after last week's loan capture of Aaron Amadi-Holloway and Sunday's return for John Rooney, as the Bluebirds bolster their squad for the final months of the 2021/22 campaign.