BARROW boss Paul Crarey has hailed York City Knights hooker Andy Ellis's quality as the pair prepare to reacquaint themselves.

Crarey, during his first spell in charge of the Raiders a decade ago, pulled off a masterstroke when signing the then teenager from Hull KR, with Ellis quickly helping the Cumbrians get promoted to domestic rugby league's second tier.

Two years later, the midfield general was named Man of Steel after leading Barrow to the Championship title.

Tomorrow, though, the 32-year-old - who went on to have stints with Harlequins and Wakefield in Super League and a successful spell with Featherstone back in tier two - goes up against Crarey and co looking to help the Knights pull off another Challenge Cup shock at Bootham Crescent (3pm).

"Some of their performances have been indifferent, but when they play the big teams they get their act together and they can play," Crarey said of York's form so far this term.

"They've brought Andy Ellis in now, who I signed from Hull KR when he was 19 - and we all know how good he is.

"There is a lot of quality in their side and they're just starting to click and gel together, so they'll be a threat."

Barrow have already beaten York this season, in a Craven Park mudbath on the opening weekend of the League One campaign, prior to Ellis's arrival at Bootham Crescent.

Indeed, they are nine from nine in all competitions as Crarey looks to take them back up once again.

But he added of tomorrow's clash: "I think it will be our biggest challenge to date. Newcastle last week, we did well against them, but these are a well-structured team and I think they'll cause us problems.

"But again, we were magnificent last week and we've just got to carry on the good work and keep working hard, and that's what we intend to do."

As reported, Barrow stand-off Jamie Dallimore faces a six-match ban for a dangerous contact in the match against Workington, a suspension they will appeal next week, while back-row Bradd Crellin is also out with a leg injury suffered against Newcastle.

However, Crarey's half-back headaches were eased when Lewis Charnock overcame the knock he suffered on Tyneside, with Brad Marwood a natural replacement for Dallimore.

Veteran packman Martin Aspinwall is also back from illness.

"Lewis Charnock can play six and Brad can play seven, so nothing changes for us," Crarey said. "Brad has done a great job for us when he has come in, so hopefully he'll carry on the good work Jamie has done. It won't faze us."