ANDY Gaffney believes Brett Carter’s experience will prove invaluable for the younger members of the Barrow Raiders squad after the winger agreed to extend his stay with his hometown club for the 2019 Betfred Championship season.

The 29-year-old Scotland international is entering his third season with the Raiders, having joined from Workington Town for the 2017 campaign, and will provide competition for new signings Stargroth Amean, Tee Ritson and Deon Cross, plus Tom Loxam, and homegrown talents Shane Toal and Luke Cresswell when they return from injury.

Capable of playing either at full-back or on the wing, along with being a useful back-up goal-kicker, Carter gives plenty of options for Raiders head coach Paul Crarey and rugby director Gaffney expects the younger players in the squad to benefit from his presence too.

“He’s played Championship for a few years and he’s a seasoned professional,” said Gaffney.

“Having those sort of players in the changing room, on the pitch and in training is good for the younger ones, and he’ll be able to show what he can do.

“Brett can play a few positions, which is good for us. It’s another addition to the squad and we’re looking a bit healthier.

“He always plays 100 per cent and he’ll get his chance at Barrow, but they all need to take their chances because there’s always someone waiting in the wings now.”

Having played a part in helping the Raiders achieve a League One Cup and promotion double in his first season, Carter made 21 appearances for the team in their first season back in the Championship, scoring six tries and kicking eight goals in the process.

Carter had previously been involved as a key member of Barrow’s community programme too, including introducing a successful reading programme him and team-mate Tom Walker first used during their time at Workington.

But he will now only be involved on the playing side after starting a new career outside of rugby, although Gaffney confirmed the Raiders will still be maintaining their offerings to the schools in the town and surrounding area.

“We’re still interested in the schools and we’ve got a couple of ideas,” said Gaffney.

“That doesn’t really start until next year and it will develop more then, but we do definitely want to be in the community and the schools.

“It’s good for the kids because they’re not only doing rugby skills, it’s about building self-confidence and self-esteem. It’s a really good programme they provide and we want to keep that us.”