Barnet boss Martin Allen has declared Keanu Marsh-Brown can be like a new signing for the Bees after making his first league appearance since October in Sunday’s draw with Dover Athletic.

The 22-year-old winger had not appeared in the league for the Bees since coming off the bench in the 3-3 draw against Kidderminster Harriers on October 11.

And the former Fulham and Arsenal youngster, who had been training with Peterborough United in November, set up John Akinde’s equaliser against The Whites.

Speaking afterwards about Marsh-Brown, head coach Allen enthused: “He has respected me and his team mates and after the game, in the dressing room, all the players were shaking hands with him.

“I have always said the door is never closed. I have always said I would be a bad manager if I said ‘you are never going to play again’. I always said I would be a bad manager if I could not negotiate and work through and see through some tricky relationship issues and I am delighted I have worked at it that way, not fallen out with him at all, looked after him, helped him, supported him and tried to guide.”

Allen added: “I think after that this afternoon, our supporters, who have probably been a bit sceptical about him, would say that they would also prefer him to be on our side, with us, and it is also kind of like having a new signing.”

Marsh-Brown has made just one first-team appearance - against Concord Rangers in the FA Trophy – since spending time training with League One Posh and Allen praised the wide man’s attitude and application.

He explained: “Keanu has been knocking on the door now for a good few weeks and he has showed a good attitude. He has wanted to come back and be involved but it has not been easy to get him in. We all know that is what he can do. He can come on and create chances and score goals.

“I decided today (Sunday) would be the day we would give him a break. He has shown a very good attitude in training, played in that difficult game against Concord Rangers away and I just thought today, after having a chat with Stacky (Graham Stack) and Jon Nurse, we would give him a substitute’s role, and if we needed something, we could put him on.”