THE Furness Select hope to prove themselves up to the task and give Barrow AFC a run for their money tomorrow.

Coach Jonny Lowes has assembled an 18-man squad from eight local amateur clubs – including the AFC Performance Centre – ready to battle with the professionals at Rakesmoor Lane (2pm kick-off).

Lowes believes the young squad, with the majority aged 25 and under, will relish the challenge facing them and will be out to show they are worthy of it.

“I've had an open mind on the squad and we want it to be a primarily younger squad,” said former Crooklands Casuals manager Lowes, who was approached to lead the side by Barrow AFC Performance centre duo Marc McAloone and Tony Callister.

“There are three or four slightly older players, but we didn't want the average age to be too high.

“With being involved round here for a long time, I know most of the players who play locally, particularly in the North West Counties and West Lancs Prem and Division One.

“These are lads who I have always thought are good players locally and, as long as they were the right sort of age, they were up for selection.

“It's a nice mixture. There are plenty of different teams and clubs represented.”

He added: “We want to be as competitive as we can for Barrow. As long as we can compete and give them a decent workout, that's the ultimate objective.

“For the local lads, it will be a great experience for a lot of them, particularly the younger lads and those who haven't been involved in it before.

“It's going to be a really nice experience for them and, as long as they acquit themselves well and play to the best of their ability, then that's all we can ask for.

“Ultimately, the game is there to showcase some of the local talent, but also to give Barrow a bit of a run. The more we can make it difficult for them, the better.”

Lowes has included former AFC keeper Danny Eccles in his squad, alongside Performance Centre players Callum McElroy and Tom Unwin.

Alex Newby and Brad Carroll, who were released by Barrow alongside Eccles this summer were due to feature as well, but Carroll is now at Clitheroe and Newby unavilable.

At the other end of the age scale, experienced Crooklands forward Dave Mansergh will help out on the field as well as with the coaching side, while Vickerstown's Dave Round Jnr is a seasoned campaigner in the middle of the park.

Furness Select Squad: Danny Eccles (unattached), Callum McElroy (Dalton United), James Bonner (Holker), Paul Wrathall (Crooklands), Jordan Williams (Millom), Mike Hargreaves (Crooklands), Brad Hubbold (Holker), Robbie Wallace (Holker), Josh Woodend (Holker), Dave Goude (Crooklands), Dave Round Jnr (Vickerstown), Chris Wraighte (Holker), Callum Rayner (Askam), Sean Paterson (Vickerstown), Jamie Pattinson (Millom), Dave Mansergh (Crooklands), Pat Allington (Hawcoat), Tom Unwin (AFC Performance Centre).

Coaches: Jonny Lowes, Chris McKenna, Dave Mansergh.