Scunthorpe United manager Andy Butler has opened the door for Ross Barrows to extend his stay at Glanford Park beyond December, following the defender’s successful return to action in the National League Cup this week.
Barrows, whose current short-term deal expires at the end of the month, played an hour in a 2-0 victory over Newcastle U21s on Tuesday.
Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Butler praised the defender’s resilience and confirmed that Barrows is now considered fully fit for selection in the National League having recovered from an ACL injury which kept him out of action for almost a year.
“I’m really, really pleased for him,” Butler said.
“It’s been a long time, just under a year. He performed really well. I know there was a lot of adrenaline and emotion going through him, but he looked fit, strong, composed and organised.”
With the festive period approaching, the manager confirmed that Barrows is playing for his future at the club, but indicated he is eager to keep him.
“He’s been ticking off everything that needs to be ticked off,” Butler explained. “He is available for selection now. If there is a space for him on the bench, he will be involved. As far as I see, he is a fit player.
“He is aiming for a contract, so I’ve got to give him every possibility to get one. I’m open to discussing it with him. He has got a few games now to prove his fitness and worth.”
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