ILKLEY have injury problems as they prepare for their toughest test of the season at free-scoring Rossendale on centre.

Locks Kieran Dannatt (ribs), Nick Carolan (mouth) and centre Elliot Morgan (leg) all left the field in the first half of the 38-29 win over Firwood Waterloo last Saturday.

All three are doubts for the trip to Lancashire along with props Adam Crooks, Chris Blackhall and Oliver Holtam.

On the plus side, winger JH Johnson is making good progress and may well return to boost an Ilkley side currently sitting second in the National League Three North after four wins in a row,

Head of rugby Rhys Morgan said: “I am told it is the highest position Ilkley have ever occupied since league rugby was introduced, but it is where we finish not where we are now that is most important.

“We know that there are tough tests ahead. We haven’t played six of the current top eight so we mustn’t get carried away. Rossendale will present us with a big challenge. They have recruited well and have got off to a great start, with some big wins.

“We will have to wait for a number of fitness reports before we finalise our team, but it is a reflection of the strength in depth that we now have that we have quality players who can come in and perform at this level.”