JAMIE Dallimore is set for a return to action after performing a vital non-playing role for Barrow Raiders in France last Saturday.

The stand-off was rested for the game against Toulouse Olympique, but still volunteered to make the trip as part of the 18-man squad and provided valuable support for young half-backs Jake Carter and Ryan Johnston before and during the match.

Raiders head coach Paul Crarey was impressed with Dallimore's response to being told he was not playing in the match, particularly that he was willing to travel knowing he would be on the sidelines.

"He was brilliant with the kids over the weekend," said Crarey. "He gave them loads of encouragement and helped them in the game.

"He was brilliant with the lads and that's why we took him over there. The lads who are coming in and out don't bat an eyelid, and they understand somebody might get a rest one week and play the next.

"When we said to Dalli he wasn't playing he took it really well and when we were struggling to get 18 to go he stuck his hand up knowing he wasn't going to play and helped us out no end."

Dallimore was rested to ensure he is fully fit for tomorrow's crucial Betfred Championship game at home to fellow part-timers Swinton Lions, where he will reunite with Lewis Charnock in the halves, and next weekend's Challenge Cup fourth-round tie with York City Knights.

Crarey was keen to seize the opportunity to give rookie professional Carter his competitive debut for Barrow too, with the 20-year-old coming off the interchange bench.

The Raiders boss was encouraged by what he saw from Carter and Johnston too.

"They did well as a pair and probably their kicking game was a little bit off, but that's because they were under so much pressure," said Crarey.

"But that's why we put them in in that game together and we rested Dalli because of the games we've got coming up."