Souttar has joined Fleetwood on loan from Stoke City a few weeks ago.

His impressive form has seen the centre nominated for the League One Player of the Month award.

Barton described the young Aussie as "outstanding".

"Harry has been first class since he came in," he told Fleetwood Today.

"He was excellent again on Saturday against a tricky opponent in (6ft 5in Gillingham striker) Tom Eaves. I know Tom scored but he is tough to handle and I thought big Soutts more than dealt with him.

"You don’t know what is going to happen when you bring a young loan player in from another club. He has been outstanding.

"I think he and the rest of the defence deserve all the plaudits they have been getting recently."