McLaren believes John Barnes brings a fresh approach to Tranmere's play

Tranmere Rovers midfielder Paul McLaren says he is impressed with the style of football manager John Barnes wants the side to play this season.

McLaren, 32, is starting his second spell at Prenton Park and says he is enjoying his time back at Rovers.

"He [Barnes] is set in the way he wants to play and is sure about what he wants to do," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It's good at the moment and I'm enjoying it. He wants the boys to play the ball around, so it's looking good."

McLaren saw his first action back in a Tranmere shirt at the weekend during their 2-1 defeat against Preston at Prenton Park.

But he was impressed with Barnes's tactics during the game and the former Bradford City man says it gave the team a fresh approach.

"It's basically hard to deal with," said McLaren. "Do defenders mark [the Tranmere] wide men or do they let them have the ball?

"In the first half Chris Shuker was getting in good positions and they more or less left him. He was causing all sorts of problems coming off the line and linking up with the front men.

"Teams will have to deal with it and hopefully we can make sure we're one step ahead of the other teams with regards keeping the ball as well. The gaffer is adamant about that."

Rovers next friendly fixture is against Southport on Tuesday evening, kick off is at 1930 BST at Haig Avenue.

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