Defender Sam Hird believes it is important for Barrow AFC to have vocal players in their midst to guide some of the younger players in the squad.

Hird became one of the Bluebirds’ more experienced players when the 31-year-old former Chesterfield centre-back arrived at Holker Street in January, following a brief stint with Alfreton Town.

He played alongside Josh Granite in the back three for the first time last Saturday, as AFC’s club captain made his first-team return in the goalless draw at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Jason Taylor, who is always quick to offer guidance to his teammates, had been filling in as skipper during Granite’s absence with an ankle injury, while defender Dan Jones has shown more signs of leadership as the season has worn on.

Hird said: “I think it’s slowly going out of the game from a young age, the vocal side of things.

“There are so many talented footballers about nowadays, especially coming from a young age group, but that sort of vocal, a bit more old-school player has started to go out of the game.

“I think it’s important you try and have them players around the squad, but also blend it in with the youth and everything else that comes in with that side of a footballer’s game, the ability, the speed and the power.

“You also need those experienced heads as well to guide them.”