KEIR Shepherd will hope to further his case for international honours after earning a shot at a place in the BARLA Young Lions squad.

The Askam half-back, who made his senior bow against Salford City Roosters last weekend, has been given the blessing of the club to the visit of Wigan St Judes tomorrow ahead of his trial with the national amateur side the following day.

Elsewhere in National Conference League Division Two, Millom seek better fortunes on the road at Oldham St Annes, while Barrow Island coach Joe Elliott is keeping his cards close to his chest for their trip to Oldham St Annes in Division Three.

And in the North West Men's League, Hindpool Tigers are aiming to make it another victory over Pilkington Recs A.

ASKAM V WIGAN ST JUDES

(Fallowfield Park, 2.30pm)

Teenage prospect Keir Shepherd, who made an impressive senior debut against Salford City Roosters last Saturday, looks like he will sit this one out. The classy half-back, who did not look out of place, is due to attend a trial for the BARLA Young Lions this Sunday.

“It's a difficult one to call,” said Askam coach Mike Wilson. “Kieron could play, but in his interest it is unlikely as I don't want to jeopardise his opportunity with the Lions. He is good player and slotted in well last week.”

Also missing out tomorrow are the Butler boys, Jamie and Tom, along with Jake Spedding, Russ Bolton and Kristian Tyson, who are all unavailable. However, ex-Ulverston players Liam Saunders and Marc Dixon could return after missing last weeks victory over Salford.

Dixon pulled up in the pre-match warm up with a groin problem, while Saunders had an ankle injury. Coming into contention too are Brad Kavanagh and Ben Lewney as the Villagers face a tougher 80 minutes this week after last weeks 64-16 win over short-handed Salford.

“It will be a different game this weekend,” said Wilson. “Judes are going well so it is a must win as we don't want to get left behind as we push for a top four place.

“Although we had a big win (over Salford), there were areas that we let ourself down so we will have to be more alert tomorrow.”

Judes had a big win over Saddleworth last week as well, triumphing 50-24 with a hat-trick of tries from Joe Brayd and they now lie fourth in the table – just three points behind leaders Oulton.

CROSSFIELDS V MILLOM

Millom travel to Warrington hoping for better fortunes on the road after going down 41-0 at Leigh East last week. Adam Kelly is unavailable, but possibly returning are Jonathan Hodgson, Noah Robinson, Callum Lamont and Bobby Wright.

“We will go and give it our best shot,” said Millom coach Tom Sibley. “The final score at Leigh didn't reflect the game as we did compete at times, but couldn't get over the line.

“It was 18-0 after only 10 minutes, but then we did compete but late tries again killed us off. I will have a roll call today before finalising the 17 players for duty.”

OLDHAM ST ANNES V BARROW ISLAND

Island nilled the Oldham side on the opening day of the season, but tomorrow's hosts have put some good results together in recent and are a point above Island in the third division of the NCL.

“I won't be naming the 18 who will get on the bus until later today when I know who has had to pull out for what ever reasons,” said Island coach Joe Elliott. “Lads who do play will earn the right to keep the shirt for the following week if they come up with a good performance.”

PILKINGTON RECS A V HINDPOOL TIGERS

The Tigers go to St Helens without the Archer brothers, Chris and Matty, or Jamie Lynne. On the plus side though, Nathan Sneesby returns.

Looking back on last weeks home defeat at the hands of Halton Farnworth, Hindpool coach Phil Cubiss said: “We were beaten by a bigger and stronger team, assisted by needless penalties, and we must be more consistent throughout if we are to get a result.

“We did beat Pilks in a double header last month at home (League and Cup) and we know all about them so we will have to be on our guard.”