A TWO-WEEK rest for Barrow Raiders is exactly what the League 1 side needed as they gear up for their eight remaining games - Paul Crarey insists.

Barrow are currently in the middle of their 14-day break and has been key for the squad's recovery, with head coach Crarey expecting three players to return for this weekend's game against Coventry Bears.

He said: "It is much needed really, we were pretty busted up like every other team in the division.

"It has been a pretty tough year with week in, week out rugby, which is pretty unusual and players are picking up leg and ankle injuries as they haven't had a proper pre-season.

"We have had some big injuries, Jarred Stack has got a major injury now, he has got a torn pec, so it looks like he might be out for the year.

"But we have got players back, which will be much needed to give others a rest.

"Mark Tyson, Declan Hulme and Danny Morrow will be back."

Raiders host Coventry at Craven Park on Sunday and will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing defeat last time out at Keighley Cougars.

It was Barrow's first loss all season after going unbeaten for nine games, but Crarey believes the 40-12 result should warn his players away from complacency.

He commented: "We were terrible looking back at the tape.

"We beat ourselves rather than getting beat by Keighley.

"It was nothing like we trained and played in the previous games, so it is disappointing really, probably an attitude thing.

"It has given us the kick up the bum that we needed.

"Consistency makes you champions and we need to get back to that when we are playing.

"We have got a lot to prove when we play Coventry.

Barrow will then travel to their neighbours the following weekend, as they take on Workington Town in the second Cumbrian Derby of the season.

The reverse fixture saw the two sides cancel each other out with a 24-24 draw and Crarey will be expecting another difficult game at Derwent Park.

He added: "We have done great really, the teams at the top are doing really well, ourselves, Workington and Doncaster.

"We just take it one game as it comes, you are only as good as your weakest squad member and your last game.

"Workington will be a tough game – they are one of the best sides we have played so far.

"We have got a tough game against Rochdale as well, but there are no easy games in this division."

Raiders' game against Coventry on Sunday will kick off at 2.00pm.