IT is American philosopher John Dewey who is credited with developing the theory of learning by doing.

The foundation of the concept is learning should be practical rather than theoretical, and when Jake Carter comes off the interchange bench for Barrow Raiders this afternoon he will certainly get a good chance to do that.

The 20-year-old stand-off is set to make his Betfred Championship bow at some point during the Raiders' game away to French side Toulouse Olympique, with fellow homegrown prospect Ryan Johnston lining up in the halves alongside Lewis Charnock too.

It will be a case of learning quickly too – especially with Jonathon Ford and Stanislas Robin as their opposite numbers.

However, Barrow head coach Paul Crarey is confident the duo will rise to the challenge.

"These young lads have got to play at some point and that's why we we've signed them, to be part of the squad," said Crarey.

"We can put them in these games and they'll be under pressure from the line speed and defensively, and they'll target Jake when he comes on because he's the new kid on the block. He's got to deal with that and it's the only way he'll learn, but him and Ryan Johnston don't shy away from anything.

"They embrace it and for them to play together in France against a full-time team will be a massive experience for them, and something they will probably remember for the rest of his life.

"It's an experience I want them to enjoy and we've got some good lads who will look after them."

Crarey has used the trip to France as a chance to shuffle his pack ahead of the home game with fellow part-timers Swinton Lions a week tomorrow.

His decision to rest Jamie Dallimore means Furness Raiders graduate Carter gets a chance to play alongside good friend Johnston – Charnock is likely to play at loose forward as well – and learn what it is like when Championship points are on the line after playing in pre-season games.

"The biggest thing they'll learn is you've got to concentrate defensively because of the people coming at them and the short leads put on them," said Crarey. "When they pass the ball they'll be under pressure, so it's about getting some natural depth themselves and finding a way to play against these teams.

"When you play against a full-time team, they practise Monday to Friday on every aspect and they'll have looked at tapes of Jake playing, seeing what he does, what foot he kicks off and all of those things. That's what it's all about, but I don't think those two young lads will be fazed by it.

"There is little things missing in their game, but they're willing to improve and eventually they'll be the two halves for Barrow, I believe, for a long time to come. It's a learning process for them and I've got to look after them."

But while this is the perfect chance for them to learn on the job, there is still room for Carter and Johnston to study off the field in the coming weeks too.

"It's not their responsibility to carry the club, it's up to the senior players and that's why we put them in and take them out," said Crarey.

"That happened to me when I was coming through and it's hard to take not playing sometimes, but you learn so much by watching and in video reviews.

"These kids are like sponges and doing really, really well."