TRANMERE Rovers' coach James Quinn says perseverance is key if the squad is to stand any chance of securing a place in the play-offs.

James Quinn's comments follow Rovers' narrow 1-0 defeat on Saturday against Macclesfield Town.

Their National League continues against Barrow at Prenton Park this weekend.

During a press conference this afternoon, Quinn said with 18 games to go, it was important the squad need to find the net on a more regular basis if they are to stand any chance of securing a place in the play-offs.

Reflecting on Saturday's defeat, he said: "We created a lot of chances again.

"It's frustrating for everybody that they're not going in and haven't been for a few weeks.

"It's tiring saying it but if we put away our chances, we'll win a lot more games and that was again evident on Saturday.

"Once they start going in, positive results will become more frequent but all the lads are working hard on their finishing and it's a case that we have to keep going, persevering and hopefully our luck will change in front of goal.

"We have some great attacking options in the team and we're creating a lot of chances."

Quinn added that new signing Jeff Hughes is someone he knows well having played international football with him for Northern Ireland.

He said: "Jeff has a good goalscoring record for a midfielder. He likes to get himself in the box but he can also do his part defensively as well."

Rovers face Barrow in National League action at Furness Building Society Stadium on Saturday.

The two sides last met at Prenton Park in October, with the hosts beaten 1-0.

A first half strike by Andy Haworth ensured that Barrow took all three points.

The home side applied pressure early on and had plenty of possession and shots on goal, but it counted for nothing.

A disappointed Brabin said afterwards: "We had opportunities to score but we're not ruthless enough.

"We had enough chances to score at least one.

"There were enough chances to have scored but we didn't and defensively we weren't put under any pressure to concede and we have and that's the top and tail of it."

Assessing this weekend's opponents, Quinn said: "They are a strong team. They have spent heavily on their recruitment this season.

"I think it will be a battle, but we're confident.

"We don't fear anything and fancy our chances going to Barrow."

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 return 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