BARROW AFC skipper Niall Canavan has thanked fans for his reception in the midweek clash with Notts County.

Captain Canavan, who has signed a new contract with the Bluebirds running through until the summer of 2026, has spent some time on the sidelines in recent weeks due to injury.

But he is now on the road to recovery and came off the bench in the 90th minute replacing Elliot Newby in the 1-1 draw with Notts County in midweek.

The fans’ favourite got a warm welcome from the blue and white faithful when his name was announced, and he admits he was grateful for the backing.

He told the club’s official YouTube channel, he said: “It was nice (the roar from the supporters) because I got grief off the away fans for the whole game.

“They were telling me how bad I was and all the rest of it, asking me why I wasn’t playing and that, so for our fans to actually back me when I came on was nice.

“So yeah, I really appreciated that.”

The Bluebirds skipper admitted it has been tough having had to sit out recent games.

He added: “It’s been a really frustrating time off the pitch, which it always is when you are injured.

“To see results maybe take a bit of a step back or go on the back foot a little bit, it’s been really frustrating more than anything.

“Hopefully, we get back out there a bit more often and we get back on the horse as it were and start climbing the table again.

“I think I’d started every game in the league or something silly like that (before the injury), which is a nice stat to have, but these they have to come to an end at some point.

“But yeah, it’s just frustrating because all you want to do is be out there and help people, and do something that can impact the game.

“I am captain and that is role that is looked up to, whether I should be needed or not is another thing, but you feel that bit of added want to go and help and do what you can.

“Whether it’s been shouting at the TV at home or it’s been shouting at people at the game, you try to do your best to have an impact, keep the ball rolling and keep momentum high.

“Unfortunately, we’ve not done it as successfully as probably we wanted to, so as I say we get back on the horse now and try to get back on a gallop.”