Lewis Hardcastle has joined National League side Barrow on a permanent deal.

The 20-year-old has impressed during his loan spell with the Bluebirds, scoring twice in nine appearances, to earn a deal until the end of next season.

Hardcastle, who captained Rovers to the Premier League 2 Division Two title last season, leaves the club without making a senior appearance.

He enjoyed a loan spell with Salford City during the 2015/16 season and joined League Two side Port Vale earlier this season, only to be recalled by Rovers in January after making just nine appearances in all competitions.

Like former Under-23s team mate Willem Tomlinson, Hardcastle was out of contract this summer and has been allowed to leave the club on a permanent deal as he looks to kickstart his career in the professional game having become a popular figure within Ian Evatt's side.

Rovers have a number of promising options in central midfield, with the likes of John Buckley, Jacob Davenport and Brad Lyons, while Lewis Travis has stepped up impressively to first team level, allowing for the departures of Hardcastle and Tomlinson.