Barrow defender Phil Bolland hopeful of early return

Bolland was part of the Barrow side that won the 2010 FA Trophy final against Stevenage at Wembley

Barrow defender Phil Bolland is confident he can return to action following a fractured jaw quicker than initially expected.

The 35-year-old was advised the injury he suffered in the Bluebirds' 3-1 win against Wrexham on Saturday could rule him out for around six weeks.

"I could be back in full contact training in three weeks and playing in four," Bolland told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I'd be unlucky to get a similar whack on the jaw again."

Bolland added: "Initially in the accident and emergency they thought with it being fractured they'd need to operate, and put plates in and wiring.

"You're looking at three months with that, so hopefully fingers crossed now after a week I'll be able to go running and weight training."

The Liverpool-born centre-back has played 76 league games for Barrow scoring three goals since his move from Cambridge United in July 2009.