NRC Preview: Barrow v Keighley

Steve McCormack will assess his Barrow squad on Thursday night following Wednesday’s victory at Doncaster.

But the Raiders coach knows his team are set for a fierce battle against Keighley, regardless of who he has available for selection.

McCormack said: “Any team that has won their last nine games, like Keighley have, suggests they are an outstanding team with a winning habit.

“There are not many teams out there that have won that many games on the trot. It will be very tough and it’s the kind of challenge we’re looking forward to.”

Danny Jones (arm) is a major doubt for the Cougars while Daley Williams (back) is rated “extremely doubtful” by Keighley coach Barry Eaton.

“It’s certainly a different proposition for us than last week,” said Eaton, whose side beat Workington 38-10 in their latest Northern Rail Cup fixture.

Eaton added: “We’ve had a taste of Championship opposition when we played Whitehaven but we’ve not travelled away to it yet.

“We’ve won three out of three so far and barring a mathematical miracle I think we’ve just about qualified for the next stages. It should be a good game.”