ILKLEY are set to give another of their young players a key role as they prepare for their first season in National League Three North.

Elliot Morgan is lined up to fill the outside centre berth following the retirement of Alastair Monks after last season's North One East title triumph.

The Yorkshire under-20s player, who has made a handful of appearances during the past two seasons while studying at Northumbria University, will be available full time.

His father is Ilkley's head of rugby, Rhys Morgan, who is confident that he is ready for the role. He said: "Elliot will be studying at Leeds this year so he can train and play all his rugby with us.

"He is a confident player who is happy to call the moves and take responsibility on the field of play. I am looking for him to slot in alongside our new captain Josh Kimber and Steve Nolson."

Young Morgan has also persuaded his Northumbria University colleague, Pat Power, to join Ilkley. He started out with Moortown before having a spell with Tynedale in National League One.

Power is a back row forward and provides coach Morgan with further competition in an area of the team where he already has numerous options.

Australian Nick Carolan, who fought his way back from injury to play in the closing games of last season, gave Ilkley a further boost this week when he confirmed that he will arrive in time for the opening pre-season game against Bradford & Bingley at Stacks Field on August 15.