Helping hand

All media reports have written that the Liverpudlian has been given a career lifeline after his summer release by Hull City came during an injury layoff, but with Notts' defence already depleted, his arrival is a welcome boost for the club also.

Byron looked a very promising player during his brief loan spell at the back end of last term, impressing sufficiently enough to be promised a permanent deal until disaster struck and he picked up an injury in the final game of the season at Macclesfield Town.

Byron... Former Hull City man back at Meadow Lane

He is still someway from match fitness, with a return to first team action unlikely for another month, but when he is fit, and back to his best, he is more than capable of a first team place.

Similar in style to the talented Stephen Hunt, Byron will provide great competition for places.

Surely Hunt is the indispensable member of the back four, with Notts' best player Mike Edwards currently out until the New Year with his own long-term injury, meaning the likes of Adam Tann, Lee Canoville and now Byron are fighting to partner him.

Tann has had the job for the majority of the season, despite his own injury problems, and after a shaky start has grew in stature and started to command his area much better.

Indeed his performance at Rotherham on Saturday scored 8/10 in the NCM match ratings and he will continue alongside Hunt for the visit of Chesterfield.

Canoville has been deployed as a right back recently but started the season, with Tann injured, at the heart of defence.

He looked shaky there, beaten for skill and power, not unlike his performances as a right-back which haven't endeared him to the Notts faithful as yet.

Ideally Edwards and Hunt, so solid together last term, would both be playing at their best meaning Tann, Canoville and Byron would all be fighting for back up.

Edwards... Hurry back!!

But with Edwards so far off a return, Byron's addition is a much needed boost, for competition and to start looking to add to the one paltry clean sheet eamed this season, at home to Dagenham.

When fit Byron could easily slot in alongside Hunt, probably pushing Tann to right-back where it is generally perceived he is better, creating a more powerful, pacey and natural understanding.

This would take pressure off the attacking players who have had a tough job all season as the defence have conceded first, and early, in the majority of the games.

This could be the first step to Notts becoming a more formidable defensive force, and for Byron, the next step to a permanent deal.

It's right for both parties.