Barnet boss Martin Allen hopes the return of Nicky Bailey will bring the best out of the Bees’ current midfield options after he made his second debut at the weekend.

The 31-year-old left Underhill in 2007, joining Southend United for £175,000 after three years and more than 100 appearances for Barnet.

And following spells with Charlton Athletic, Middlesbrough and Millwall, where he moved for fees totalling more than £2 million, Bailey returned after eight years away as a late substitute in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Exeter City.

Bailey arrives at a time when Curtis Weston appears to be rediscovering his best form whilst Tom Champion has impressed in each of the Bees’ last four fixtures.

Such is the form of that pair, the previously imperious Sam Togwell has found himself on the bench in recent weeks.

Allen believes the signing of Bailey will only serve to raise the level of competition further.

He told Bees Player: “I think he’s played a part already. I said changes would be made and I said changes needed to be made.

“We’ve got a good player there now waiting to play. So the people that are playing are well aware now the competition for places is full on.

“After winning at Oxford we went again with some more changes [against Exeter City] and kept a clean sheet.

"I still don’t think we’ve absolutely hit top form. I think there’s still more to come from this group of players.”

Bailey made his second Bees debut to rapturous applause and there was even time for a quick rendition of the midfielder’s terrace chant, put to the tune of Kaiser Chief’s I predict a riot.

“Of course it was nice for Nicky get that sort of reception,” added Allen. “But football supporters want results and wins. They don’t care who gets them.

“His fitness levels are coming up to where the others are so he’s closing in [on a first start].”