DARREN CALLAGHAN believes the Lee McTigue Memorial Match puts amateurs looking to enhance their playing careers firmly in the “shop window”.

Callaghan went through the junior ranks at York Acorn ARLC before going on to enjoy a professional career which began and ended at his home-town professional club – firstly York Wasps and later York City Knights.

The 34-year-old, who also had spells at Sheffield and Gateshead, hung up his pro boots five years ago after helping the Knights to win the old National League Two championship, after which he returned to Acorn, where he has been a player and player-coach before effectively retiring at the end of last season.

He is now taking charge of the York Select XIII – a team made up of amateurs from around the area – that will take on the Knights on Monday, January 3, in the rearranged annual charity challenge match in memory of former player McTigue.

And while several players in his team have already tasted life in the semi-pro arena, he believes others with aspirations of doing likewise can do their chances no harm with a good showing.

Thought to be among such players are full-back Dan Bent and back-rower Joe Hemmings, who have been causing a stir at Pennine League club New Earswick All Blacks.

“It’ll be good to go out and play the Knights, especially after they got promoted (to the Championship) last season,” said Callaghan, who, as player-coach, presided over the Select side’s shock win in this fixture 12 months ago.

“It’s always a good shop window for lads wanting to get to that level. Carl Barrow got spotted one year and Davey Burns got spotted another year and got contracts with the Knights.”

Former Acorn forward Burns, who joined the Knights midway through last season from the National Conference outfit, is set to be on the opposing team this time on his return from a lengthy injury.


A select band

York Select XIII provisional squad for the Lee McTigue Memorial Match: from Leigh Rientoul, Jon Liddell, Tim Elliott, Martin McTigue, Mike Embleton, Andy Gargan, Danny Caldwell, Steve Mackley, Adam Endersby (all York Acorn), Dan Bent, Max Bracken, Joe Hemmings, Dan Atkinson, Danny Wright, Brian Wright, Joe Stearman (all New Earswick), Ben Potter, Chris Varley (both Heworth), Dan Liddell.