Bayliss (right) and joint-boss Darren Sheridan took over in November 2007

Barrow joint-boss Dave Bayliss has told his players that their hopes of being in the side to face Sunderland rest on their efforts over the festive period.

The Bluebirds take on the Black Cats in the FA Cup third round on 2 January and Bayliss said those who perform over the coming week will be likely to feature.

"We're firm but fair," Bayliss told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We've got a good group of players who take every game the same, whether it's Sunderland or Gateshead."

Barrow have impressed in all competitions so far this season, with just one defeat in 16 and progress to the third round of the FA Cup and the second round of the FA Trophy.

However Bayliss remains keen to bolster his squad with further permanent moves, following the loan signings of Jordan Bowery, Marc Goodfellow and Craig Nelthorpe.

"We've got a busy Christmas period and we've made a few enquiries which have been very positive," Bayliss said.

"But we've got to get the games out of the way, we have a busy two days with Boxing Day and the 28th.

"When they're out of the way, we can really push on and hopefully the lads will get in and give us a really big boost.

"We are looking to bring in another striker, which is well documented, and it would be great to have another really experienced lad to push Jason Walker and Gregg Blundell."

Blundell is set to join Barrow on a permanent basis from parent club Chester when the transfer window reopens in January.

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