A NUMBER of positions in the Barrow Raiders side to face Keighley Cougars this Sunday are in the melting pot after some strong performances against Hemel Stags.

Raiders coach Paul Crarey is looking for a winning formula at Cougar Park, where he is expecting a battle against a side licking their wounds following a 84-6 massacre at League One leaders Toulouse.

Hooker Nathan Mossop has already been earmarked to continue his comeback following a bicep tear and subsequent surgery.

Mossop was back in action last weekend against Hemel after 16 weeks out and he scored a quick-fire double in Barrow’s 62-4 win.

In the same match, forward Brad Brennan showed bags of drive and determination in his comeback game.

Centre or second-rower Andy Litherland also returned to the fray following an injury lay-off, as did winger Chris Fleming.

Meanwhile, former BARLA international Danny Morrow has completed a four-match ban and, although unable to train for the past fortnight because of work commitments, could be in contention.

Scrum half Brad Marwood is unable to play because of work, with Josh Ward expected to fill the role again.

“I feel sorry for Brad because he has done really well,” said Crarey. “We left him out last week on the sole thing that he couldn’t go to Keighley.”

Leigh loan man Eze Harper could also figure on the wing, with Crarey looking at that option for the clash, saying: “He did really well, we don’t know whether we will go with what we know or give him a run there.

“It will be real tough, Keighley’s outside backs are really strong and the full-back is very good. We will have a look at that and talk it about it as a group and see which is the best way to go.

“We are going to analyse it this week, and pick a side that will hopefully get us a result.”

He added: “Mossy will play, we need him back. We will have a look at Brad Brennan on the tape, he was good for us going forward and he has done really well.

“Quite a few of our players will stay in, our core always remains the same, that’s the secret of success.”

Forward Andrew Dawson is still recovering from a bicep injury and could be out for up to five weeks, but should return after the visit of Oxford on July 3 when Barrow are hoping for a tilt at the Super 8s.

“He will be ready by then,” said Crarey, who added: “Livvy’s back, he needs some game time, did really well at the weekend. He looked a little bit rusty in defence, but very strong going forward.

“Danny’s ban is over now, so he will be up for selection. He is on a management course at work so he has missed the last couple of weeks at training. We will see how he shapes up, he will be at training this week.”

Matty While, who came on as sub against the Stags, suffered a dead leg and will not be up for selection.