EASTLEIGH boss Richard Hill says the arrival of Simon Heslop on a one-month loan from York City is a “win-win” for both parties.

Earlier this week, Hill said he was not prepared to use "a sticking plaster” to soothe the Spitfires’ injury crisis.

But, in Heslop, he has found a player who is coming to the club for the right reasons and on favourable financial terms.

The 30-year-old old, who includes Barnsley and Oxford United among his former clubs, joined the Minstermen in June last year and captained them to FA Trophy glory against Macclesfield in May.

But York’s Wembley success coincided with relegation to the National League North and Heslop, a box-to-box midfielder, is keen to play higher.

“I did say I wouldn’t put a sticking plaster on it, but the reason I’ve been convinced is because we’ve found a midfielder who wants to prove himself at a higher level and he’s coming for the right reasons,” said Hill.

"It’s a deal that's beneficial to both the club and player and it’s financially right as well.

“Also, it’s been forced in the respect that we’ve got to the point where we can’t keep playing the same two midfielders all the time.

“I’ve spoken to Simon a couple of times in the past, going back to my first spell at Eastleigh, and for whatever reason it’s not happened.

“But the opportunity’s there for him. He’s hungry and he wants to come and prove himself.

“For us it’s a no-brainer for a month while we’ve got a few sore bodies.”

Heslop goes straight into the squad for Saturday's home game against fourth-to-bottom Barrow who have yet to win away in the National League this season.

Eastleigh’s injury list remains lengthy, but striker Paul McCallum, defender Ayo Obileye and goalkeeper Graham Stack have all returned to training.

It’s not out of the question that Stack could be back in goal on Saturday. Much depends on whether he is fitter than Ross Flitney who, unbeknown to many, has also been injured.

“Little do people know that Rosco's been playing in unbelievable discomfort,” said Hill.

“He put himself forward because he was the fitter of the two ’keepers, but for one game he had to have pain-killing jabs in his knee.

“I’ve sat with him after training when he’s been miserable because he’s been in so much discomfort.

“His kicking’s not been as good lately and that’s because, subconsciously, he’s flinched as he's gone to kick the ball, knowing it’s going to hurt.

“But it shows how much he thinks of the club that he’s prepared to play in pain – and that’s taking nothing away from Stacky, who has also played in discomfort.”

Barrow are already on their third manager of the campaign - former Forest Green Rovers boss Ady Pennock, who was appointed late last month.

Working alongside him is ex-Norwich City striker Grant Holt who is back with The Bluebirds as player/coach.

Saturday's game is Eastleigh’s designated Royal British Legion fixture for this season.

The club will be supporting the Poppy Appeal, raising money around the ground and observing one minute’s silence before kick-off.

Anyone with serving military personnel ID or a veterans' pin will get in free of charge.