Barrow AFC boss David Dunn has challenged Morgan Penfold to make the most of his loan move to FC United of Manchester.

The Bluebirds forward has joined the Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit in a deal until January.

Former Peterborough man Penfold has not figured in Barrow’s league games so far this term, his only outing coming in the EFL Trophy against Blackpool.

Dunn says it will give the 21-year-old important first-team action as he bids to force his way closer into the reckoning at Holker Street.

“Morgan has joined FC United and it will be good for him to go out and get some games,” Dunn said.

“Young players need to go out and play and there might be another couple in our squad who will do the same.

“He will go and play men’s football and see what he can do.

“He has to go there and be confident. Morgan’s a terrific athlete, a really fit lad, and I’ll be able to get down there and watch him as much as possible.”

Penfold joined Barrow last summer under former boss Ian Evatt and made three National League appearances in the Bluebirds’ promotion campaign.

FC United, who were among Barrow’s pre-season opponents, sit 14th in the fledgling Northern Premier table after drawing their first three games.

They face a trip to Curzon Ashton in the FA Cup tomorrow.