Workington Town head coach Chris Thorman hopes to welcome a number of players back into his squad for this weekend’s pre-season trip to Barrow Raiders.

Thorman gave a positive update on the fitness of those who either missed the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy game last Sunday entirely or left the field with knocks during the clash.

Caine Barnes, who had to be helped off the grass against Haven, has since had an X-ray which revealed that he did not suffer any broken bones.

“He’s just got a bit of swelling so we’ll see how he is on Thursday and Saturday,” Thorman said.

“I’d like him to play to be honest because we only have the two pre-season games.”

Elliott Miller also pulled out of the game as a tight hamstring forced him off in the first half at the Recreation Ground on Sunday but Thorman stressed that was largely precautionary.

The centre, who missed most of last season after a shoulder reconstruction, will be monitored this week to determine whether he can feature in this weekend’s squad.

Marcus O’Brien missed out on a place in the squad altogether after he strained his back during the build-up to the derby but Thorman believes he should be back in contention for Sunday after a week of rest.

“He did that on the Monday night,” Thorman said.

“He’s trained really well for us, was champing at the bit and wanted to play, but I told him there was no point aggravating it in a pre-season game. He’ll be good to go this weekend.”

Dec O’Donnell has sustained a knee injury which is being managed with rehabilitation to try to ensure it does not make him miss the start of the League 1 season, while Calvin Wellington has returned to training after an injury he sustained in an accident away from rugby league.

Thorman added: “Dec is a really important player for us so we want to be careful with him.

“Whether Calvin is good to go this weekend, I’m not sure yet.”

The Town boss might not be overly concerned if any of the above do not make it back into his squad for the visit to Craven Park after seeing players take their chance during the 24-18 defeat against Championship opposition.

Russ Bolton impressed his coach after being handed an opportunity when Miller left the game, while Blain Marwood and Hanley Dawson also made an impression with their performances against an experienced side.

“They were pretty much at full strength and we were lacking Dec, Marcus, [Danny] Tickle, Calvin and others,” Thorman said.

“Blain is only small but he was brave and Hanley played loosed forward and he’s not a massive man but he did a lot for us in defence.”