PAUL Crarey believes Luke Cresswell could become one of the best full-backs ever to wear a Barrow jersey.

The ringing endorsement came from the Raiders coach after the former Barrow Island star agreed a contract with the club until 2018.

BARLA Great Britain international Cresswell has been an outstanding and consistent performer for Island during his time there, but has decided to take the plunge and join the pro ranks, much to the delight of Crarey.

The 21-year-old gave Barrow a glimpse of his qualities during pre-season trials, and Crarey made it no secret then that he wanted him on board.

Now Cresswell has made that decision, and Crarey said: “I think eventually he is going to be one of the best full-backs Barrow have ever seen.

“We’ve had kids that can attack but can’t defend, we have had full-backs that can defend and are poor in attack but this kid’s got the lot.

“He can do everything that there is and I think that he is going to be an absolute star.”

Cresswell won rave reviews after representing Cumbria Open Age in the Tri Series last winter, putting in a brilliant performance against Lancashire which saw his side wrap up the title, and he has recently returned from BARLA’s tour of Jamaica.

Although he may not feature against Rochdale this Sunday because of a niggling injury, Crarey said he would not worry about throwing Cresswell into the Super 8s at some stage of the phase.

“We will have no hesitation of throwing him into the 8s if we need to,” said the Raiders boss.

“We spoke to him when we first had him pre-season, we left him out of nothing.

“He could slot in and play tomorrow and fit into our systems.

“He is carrying a bit of a knock at the moment but give him three or four weeks here and he will come into contention.

“He can play anywhere, he can play on the wing or full-back. We will have no hesitation throwing him in in any of those positions for us, he’s got electric pace, he’s the quickest here at this club.

“He’s got a great attitude, all the lads really get on well with him. He’s had a good mentor in Ryan Fieldhouse who has really looked after him – you wouldn’t expect that from a senior player with somebody after your position.”

Joint Raiders director of rugby Andy Gaffney said: “He has signed a deal.

“He was originally talking about coming next year but Luke’s decided to he wants to come in now and go on a strength and rebuilding programme with Paddy Maher and get himself in the best possible shape for next year. It is great news for us.

“He is eligible to play for the rest of this year and then for the whole of 2017 and all of 2018.”

Gaffney added: “Barrow Island have looked after him well and I have to thank them.”