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Bluebirds swoop for defender James

Blue Square Premier new boys Barrow have added a new defender to their squad ahead of their clash against Lewes on Saturday afternoon.

The club bagged the versatile Craig James on an initial one-month contract.

The 25-year old started his career at Sunderland and can play as a left-sided centre-half, full-back or midfielder.

James was supposed to make his bow against Rushden on Tuesday but fell ill but took part in training on Friday and is expected to have a spot in the starting line-up on Saturday.

Bluebirds manager Darren Sheridan said that the player is however not a completely stranger to some of his squad.

"Carlos (Logan) knows him from their days at Darlington and Boydy (Mark Boyd) has come across him before," the boss told NorthWestEveningMail.

"I have also had a word with my brother John (Oldham manager) about the time he spent there.

"Craig is a left-sided centre half but can play other positions and it gives us a few more options."

Sheridan confessed that he needs his squad to be fully focused for the Lewes clash and he wants his players to challenge each other within the squad.

"We need competition for places. The players need to fully focus on Lewes who won't be an easy team to beat.

"People said Stevenage were struggling but look what they did to us, it can come back to bite you."