PAUL Henderson wants Barrow and District Select's players to seize the chance to make a name for themselves when they take on Barrow Raiders in a friendly.

The now-traditional pre-season curtain raiser for the Raiders against some of the best amateur players from the area returns to Craven Park tomorrow (kick-off 2pm), with coach Henderson eager to see how his squad matches up to the professionals.

Ryan Johnston is the latest Barrow and District alumnus to join the paid ranks after agreeing terms with the Raiders recently, and Walney Central's Henderson wants to see more players show they are capable of making the step up as well.

“This is what I've said to some of the younger lads – it's an opportunity to put themselves in the shop window,” said Henderson.

“One of the younger lads said he wasn't fit enough and didn't want to play, but I said 'well get yourself fit, get out on the streets and do a little bit because you are good enough' and I always say this every time I do it.

“Ryan Johnston played for us in January and it's a perfect example for the lads who played against Barrow and, because he played all right, got picked up on the under-19s scheme and now he's been signed up by Barrow.

“The opportunity is there for people to give themselves a shot at playing at a higher level and that's what it's all about.”

The Barrow and District team have been able to get in some good preparation ahead of the match after a joint-training session with the Furness Raiders under-19s side on the 3G pitch at Furness College on Monday evening.

They will also have the opportunity to run through some plays at Craven Park tomorrow morning ahead of the match, and Henderson is grateful for the assistance provided by Barrow head coach Paul Crarey and Furness coach Darren Carter in the build-up.

“It's a great showcase for the amateur game, and I think it shows as well how a lot of bridges are being built between the amateur and the professional game,” said Henderson.

“The relationship is getting better year-on-year, and Cresta (Crarey) and Daz have had a big part of that – especially with these young lads as well they've got from the college playing at under-19 level.

“They've got a good squad of under-16s with Mike Whitehead coaching them, so they've got a really good set-up now. We're helping each other here.”

Adam Batty (Roose Pioneers), Jamie Morrow (Walney Central), Ricky Donoghue (Millom) and Stuart Tippett (Dalton) are among the players who could be involved for the Barrow and District side.

Henderson is also waiting on the fitness of Ulverston's Liam Saunders, who brings with him experience of playing in Australia for Henderson's former club, Cooma Stallions.

Ex-Raiders duo Jamie Butler and Andy Pedley will be helping out on the sidelines as well, with Henderson pleased to have them on board so both he and the squad can tap into their knowledge.

“Jamie was with us last year, and it's just little things they notice and little things they say in warm-ups,” said Henderson.

“I've been playing for 30-odd years now, I'm involved in the coaching and still play in the A-team at Walney, and you still pick up things from them as well.

“Peds has been helping us at Walney with coaching and playing for a few years now as well. I'm looking forward to it and it's always a good event.”