Ryan Duckett has won praise from coach Rhys Morgan for the impact he has made since coming into the Ilkley side.

The former Otley player has proved an able deputy for injured skipper Stuart Vincent at full back and was impressive in Saturday’s 29-22 victory over York.

As his side prepares for Saturday’s visit to Yorkshire Division One new boys Barnsley, Morgan spoke of the contribution Duckett has made.

He said: “Ryan has played at a higher level and it shows. He is professional in much of what he does and he has bags of enthusiasm too.

“He hasn’t played much for the past two years but he is getting back into the swing of things quickly.

“Ryan is always keen to stay behind after training to practice his kicking and it is great to have him on board.”

With leaders Huddersfield YMCA losing their unbeaten record last Saturday when they lost 23-22 to North Ribblesdale, Ilkley are just three points adrift in second place.

“It is a good place to be,” said Morgan, “But this is a tough division and I am expecting a big test at Barns- ley.”

Ilkley have an injury doubt over centre Craig Barker. Tom Collard could be asked to fill the role with Jimmy Crowther a possible replacement for him at scrum half after impressing as a substitute in the York match.