DARREN Carter is impressed to see some of the next generation of Furness Raiders players have already been drawing attention from Barrow's professional team.

Despite being first-year players, Tyler Batty and Matty Brown have both become established members of the team, and their efforts have earned praise from Furness head coach Carter.

In the case of Batty, he has done so well that he has been invited to train with the Barrow Raiders senior squad by head coach Paul Crarey and Carter believes both are capable of making the step up.

“Tyler Batty and Matty Brown have been two of our best performers all season, and they're first-years,” said Carter. “Tyler Batty has been training with the first team; Paul invited him down, he goes once a week and he's a future player for Barrow, I would imagine.

“Matty Brown has had an absolutely outstanding year and is going from strength to strength, and I would think he's probably another one Paul has got an eye on and will be invited down as well at some point.

“The players come in and have a little look around and see what it's all about. The younger players have been a credit, they've got a few more years in it and we're hoping to add a load more next year, and carry on with the progression.”

Furness had been set to play Loughborough-based Midlands Hurricanes at Craven Park tonight, but that match has been called off due to poor weather overnight and the forecast showing no improvement.

It means the Raiders have not played at home since January 25, although Carter is pleased with the dedication his players have shown to keep turning up to training in numbers despite a lack of matches in recent weeks.

“Probably for one or two players, it has been hard, but on the whole the group has been fantastic and I can't praise them enough for the dedication they have shown," said Carter.

“They're all raring to go and looking forward to playing at home on a nice, big pitch. They trained well and we've got a decent squad to pick from, so we're really looking forward to the game.”