KEY half-back Liam Campbell should today discover the extent of a shoulder injury which has seen him miss the start of the League One season.

The electric stand-off was hit by the problem in pre-season but came back to feature in both of Barrow Raiders’ cup ties before breaking down again.

Campbell will see a specialist to determine the extent of his recovery time.

Raiders coach Paul Crarey hopes the 29-year-old gets the immediate thumbs-up so he can battle his way back into contention for Sunday’s trip to Coventry Bears where Barrow will be looking to maintain their unbeaten League One start.

“He hurt himself in pre-season training in contact and then we put him in a game, but he came off injured and he’s really struggled since then,” said Crarey.

“He struggled to even open his car door at one stage, so we have given him time.

“He is really frustrated, but we just need to get a scan on it to see that there is no long-term damage and it’s an injury that is healing and not getting any worse. The big thing is he is improving.”

The Barrow boss added: “He has got a tear in his muscle. We have been waiting for the consultation, the physios think it might be healing slowly, but we want to make sure if we do contact with him we won’t do any damage.

“He is very frustrated by it all and he can’t wait to find out what’s wrong – whether it’s going to be bad, whether he needs an op, if it is going to be okay or it is not going to get any worse and it’s just a tear that he has to put up with.”

Campbell’s injury and that of hooker Nathan Mossop, who could be out until June after tearing a bicep at Hunslet in the Challenge Cup, led to Barrow reinforcing the side by bringing in the North Wales Crusaders duo of stand-off Jamie Dallimore and hooker Karl Ashall.

Dan Abram has been sharing the number nine duties with Ashall, but after playing in every game Crarey is keen the former gets some much-needed rest time, which is difficult as Brad Marwood is also out with a calf injury.

“I was going to play Brad last week to give Dan a rest, but the physios overruled me, they are telling me Brad is not ready,” said Crarey.

“We don’t want him to break down in games because it puts pressure on the team.

“We want him right for his own health and for the good of the team, so until the physios give us the green light to play him he won’t play. We are trying to get them back.”

Bradd Crellin, who suffered a serious facial injury during the same game as Mossop, is in light training, while centre Chris Hankinson, who missed the 24-24 draw against Newcastle Thunder through sickness, will be fit for the Coventry game.

l Raiders are now taking bookings for the supporters coach to Coventry Bears on Sunday, April 10. It leaves Walney Prom at 8am and seat prices are £20.

For further details and to book seats, contact the club’s Scott Street office.