Whitehaven will welcome back a familiar face tomorrow when they face a “do or die” clash at the Recreation Ground with Doncaster.

Steve Roper, a member of the team which reached last year’s League One play-off final, is in the squad of 19 named to face the Dons.

Roper, who landed the extra-time field goal to see-off York City Knights in the semi-final, re-signed before the transfer deadline to play for Haven for the remainder of the season.

He had joined North Wales Crusaders but when there was a change of coach, and a dual registration player was brought in from Widnes, he fell out of favour.

Haven coach Carl Forster said: “He has trained with us this week and has looked sharp considering how long he’s been without a game.

“Not a lot has changed in how we play since he was with us and he knows the structures.

“I have no fresh injury worries, which is good for a change, so Steve goes into the 19 and I will make a late decision on the 17 who are involved on the day.”

One other new arrival, who can expect to be involved, is Hensingham amateur Jordan Thomson who has had a baptism of fire in the pro game playing at Bradford and Oldham.

“To be honest, for a lad stepping up from the amateur game to play in those two matches, he has been phenomenal.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with his contributions for us,” said Forster.

The coach has described tomorrow’s clash (kick off 2pm) as a “do or die” affair to keep the club’s play-off hopes alive.

“We have to go on a winning run and we know what needs to be done. If we lose against Doncaster I think our season will be as good as over but a win will keep us right in there.

“It won’t be easy because Doncaster have hit form at just the right time and they have done well out of the dual registration and loan systems,” said the coach.