FORMER Raider Adam Nicholson could make a swift return to Craven Park this weekend.

The powerful forward, who parted company on good terms with the League One outfit last month, is part of a strong-looking Barrow and District Select squad to face Barrow at Craven Park on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

Both camps are ready for the pre-season opener and it is hoped after the incessant rain the weather smiles kindly so the friendly can go ahead.

Fans can expect a thrilling occasion for the curtain-raiser, with the amateurs set to field former Raiders players and a number of rising stars.

As well as Nicholson, who rejoined Dalton, another Raiders favourite Mike Backhouse, now at Walney Central, is also on the list to face Paul Crarey’s side.

Other players include Barrow Island’s Perry Singleton, who was part of the recent Cumbria Tri-Series winning side, while Cent Danny Morrow and Ulverston’s Tom Wilkinson, both of whom have trained with the Raiders, are also set to play.

One-time Raider Jamie Butler is helping in the team selection, along with Liam Finch, with Cents duo Shaun Morrow and Paul Henderson looking after the management side of things.

Butler retired from Barrow last season after serving for 10 seasons and is poised to play for his old club Askam in National Conference Division Two next season.

He is looking forward to returning to his old stamping ground and is hopeful the Select squad can upset the odds.

“We’re looking good,” said Butler. “We’ve got a good team, I think there are a few lads who want to show Cresta what they can do.

“There will be a lot of keen young lads playing and a few old heads in too to settle them down a bit.”

Although training has been limited, many of the Select players have faced each other during the past season and are familiar with styles of play, so Butler expects it to all come together for the weekend.

“It is just a matter of putting the game plan into place,” said Butler. “The lads have got the skill there so it shouldn’t be too bad.

“They are all very keen for it considering it is just after Christmas, as long as the rain stops it will be a pretty good game, I would have thought.

“There are a lot of good amateurs around here and they just want to go out there and show the professionals what they have got.

“The side is not set in stone yet. Mike Backhouse is part of the squad and he brings a bit of experience to it.”

He added: “We played a Barrow and District in my testimonial last year and they always put a good team together. Like I said last year, I think it should be an annual thing.

“I think it is good for the area, good for the players and it is good for Cresta, because he can see what local talent is about pitting themselves against professionals and he gets to see how they handle themselves in that environment. Everyone wins, it is a good game to have.”

Butler is pleased the match is a friendly, as more players can take to the field when the team rotates during the match.

While he is expecting a big challenge for the amateur side, he said: “It is always hard against professionals, but they have got a lot of new lads in.

“They will obviously take games to gel, that’s why they have friendlies, so if you catch them off guard a bit we have got as good a chance as you will ever have against them.

“I have watched quite a lot of amateur rugby so they are good lads from all around. It is a really good bunch actually.”

He added: “I am looking forward to going back down there, feeling part of the craic again, it will be nice to see everyone.

“I know it is not too long since I have been gone but it will be nice to go down and catch up with everyone, see how pre-season has been going.”