TRANMERE Rovers' boss Gary Brabin believes his squad is more than capable of clawing back vital points and bridging the gap at the top of the National League table.

Rovers are currently ninth in the National League, six points behind fifth-placed Macclesfield Town, and Brabin believes the gap can be closed in coming weeks.

Speaking head of Saturday's game against Barrow - Rovers' first away of 2016 - he said: "We have always said that we want to be in and around the pack.

"We've found ourselves a little bit short of where we wanted to be, but we believe we can claw back those points and be back amongst the promotion pack.

"I think we were all delighted with the results against Macclesfield away and at home to Altrincham.

"The performance deserved a win away at Halifax and from the performance at home against Macclesfield, we felt deserved at least a draw. 

"We're disappointed with that result but we have enough time to claw back the points to make a real challenge."

Brabin will be without central defender Liam Hogan, absent with a knee injury, for Saturday's match at Furness Building Society Stadium.

Andy Mangan left Prenton Park to join Shrewsbury this week, and Brabin is looking to use the remainder of the January transfer window to strengthen the squad.

He said: "An opportunity came which Andy Mangan put to us and the decision to leave was his.

"We've supported him in his decision and we wish him the best.

"We always felt comfortable that the players who have signed new contracts would want to stay.

"It's a good environment, the players are enjoying the training day to day and are enjoying the challenge of what is expected of them.

"We are looking for another striker. We've not been clinical in front of goal. We have a good group of players which we also want to improve."

Barrow currently sit in 16th position in the National League standings on 33 points from 27 matches.

Their home record has seen them win seven times, draw three matches and lose just twice at the Furness Building Society Stadium.

The Bluebirds' manager Paul Cox has signed Northwich Victoria forward Jordan Williams in the January transfer window while Dutch defender Benji van den Broek has been released to return to the Netherlands.

Meet the opponents: Barrow

Nickhame: The Bluebirds

Colours: White shirts, blue shorts, white socks

Ground: Furness Building Society Stadium

Distance from Prenton Park: 107 miles

Position last season: Conference North Champions

Barrow returned to the top tier of non-league football this season as Conference North champions.

The Bluebirds spent 50 years in the Football League from 1921-72 before failing to be re-elected.

They have won the FA Trophy twice and are the only team to do so at both the old and new Wembley Stadium