Barrow Raiders half-back Lewis Charnock has been suspended for eight matches for his dangerous tackle on Sheffield Eagles' James Glover.

Glover's season was ended in the first minute of the Raiders' 30-18 defeat against the Eagles at the Summer Bash in Blackpool on May 19.

He landed badly after being tackled by Charnock at Bloomfield Road, with the force of it causing serious ligament damage to the centre's knee, with the injury expected to keep him out for nine to 12 months.

Charnock pleaded guilty to the RFL's Grade F charge of dangerous contact and has also been fined £250 on top of his ban.

The RFL have said the 24-year-old accepted his guilt and has apologised to Glover, who is having reconstructive surgery on his knee next Thursday.

Charnock will be unavailable to Barrow until their Betfred Championship fixture at Swinton Lions on July 21 at the earliest.

Barrow head coach Paul Crarey admitted after last Sunday's 54-10 victory over Rochdale Hornets that his side would miss Charnock's physicality if he was handed a long ban.

His absence could lead to more run-outs for youngsters Ryan Johnston and Jake Carter in the next two months, which include vital fixtures against fellow strugglers Widnes Vikings and Dewsbury Rams.

Another who could be blooded is winger Adam Ford, with Crarey saying: "He's been in and around the team and we've given him a weights program.

"He's fitting in really well - he knows where he's at within the team and we've brought him in early. It's a lifeline for us, really, with these kids that can play for Walney [Central] in the amateur leagues and stuff and keep grounded."