After signing a new contract with the club last week, young winger Adam Ford could be set to have a role in what is a key period in Barrow Raiders’ season.

Ford, who had previously played in a handful of pre-season friendlies for the Raiders, could make his competitive debut for them in this Sunday’s Summer Bash fixture against Sheffield Eagles at Blackpool.

The 19-year-old agreeing an 18-month deal means head coach Paul Crarey now has an extra player to call upon, which is crucial given the crippling injury crisis that Barrow have had to deal with in the last two months.

They’ll still be underdogs for the match against third-placed Sheffield, but following that is surely their most important game of the season so far, as fellow Betfred Championship strugglers Rochdale Hornets visit Craven Park on May 26.

Only a narrow home defeat against York City Knights prevented Rochdale from dropping the Raiders to the foot of the table on Sunday.

Ford said: “I could be getting some action on the pitch and I want to do my best, perform, and hopefully help the club as much as I can.”

“I think the next few weeks are definitely a big few weeks for the club. We need to get these next few wins, get back in the groove and get a few players fit and then I think we should definitely be good from there.

“We’ve been very unlucky this season with injuries – we’ve hardly been able to field the same team week in week out and any team struggles to adapt to that.”

Ford has managed to handle every step up he’s had to make so far, but he is set to make the biggest on of all as he prepares to join the professional ranks.

He should, however, be full of confidence having been in prolific try-scoring form for Furness Raiders throughout their season, which concluded with victory in the AoC National Cup final two weeks ago.

He has also had some taste of competitive senior rugby this year, albeit at amateur level with Walney Central in the North West Men’s League.

Ford said: “I’m really excited to make my first appearance this season for them.

“I think it will definitely be a good achievement and I look forward to playing at the level that we’re at.

“The Summer Bash would be a big game to start with, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do for the club and if it is that game, then I’ll go out and do my best.

“Sheffield have been a bit of a surprise package this season, but I think this week is definitely the game we can win and I think it’s a must win for us.”