PAUL Crarey will not be taking any chances with players’ fitness in Barrow Raiders’ pre-season matches.

The Raiders kick off their friendlies with the visit of Oldham to Craven Park this Sunday, with Jono Smith having returned to full training after a calf injury and possible to play some part.

Crarey hopes Ryan Duffy and Martin Aspinwall will both have recovered from illness in time to feature, while Papua New Guineans Stargroth Amean, Wartovo Puara Jr and Willie Minoga, who arrived today, could play small roles too.

But the Barrow head coach will not be pushing anyone who is carrying a knock.

“Nobody will be risked in the friendlies if they’ve got little knocks and injuries, and we’ve got to be ready for when the season starts so we’ll be selective in the first few games,” said Crarey.

“We’re getting ready for it, we’re ready to play and Oldham is always tough.

“That’s why we get them because I rate Scott Naylor as a coach, his team is very mentally prepared, very tough and hard to beat, and they have a massive pack who will be a big test for our middle.

“It gives everybody a little bit of a grounding when you get into the rigours of pre-season and playing, so we’re just ready.”