Barnet manager Paul Fairclough reckons midfielder-turned-central defender Michael Leary has come back a stronger person following two red cards in a month earlier this year.

Leary was jeered by fans when he made his return as a sub, but has now won their admiration, after some solid performances at the heart of the defence.

Fairclough said: "It was a life shock and he learned a lot from it. I don't think he will ever be the same player he was, or the same person. Events have moulded him into a different player."

The manager added: "He has only committed one or two fouls in the last few games. When he was playing in midfield, he was creating havoc. He has got be given a lot of credit. He took a lot of stick and criticism, and had a lot to prove.

"He has got to be commended for coming back the way he has."

Fairclough said he had been thinking about trying Leary in defence for some time.