DARWEN have run into more professional problems with Nikhil Chopra still in India and facing the prospect of missing another big chunk of the season.

Chopra returned home to play in a tournament which is now finished.

But India are due to announce a squad this weekend to play a series against Sri Lanka.

And the Darwen professional is tipped to be in it.

"He should have been back for us this weekend but he said it would have been pointless to travel if he was then named in the squad and had to go back again," said Darwen chairman Peter Lamster.

"We don't know any details about these games against Sri Lanka but presumably it's a one-day series. It's a concern for us and there's also talk of an A tour by India later in the season.

"When we signed him we thought we had got a good player. But if he is going to be selected for all these games he might turn out to be too good!"

Darwen have signed Brad Young from East Lancs as substitute pro for tomorrow's Vaux Northern League home game against Kendal at the start of a big weekend double-header at Birch Hall.

On Sunday, there should be a good crowd for the visit of local rivals Chorley in the second round of the Abbot Ale national knockout (2pm start).

Batsman Tony Beesley steps in for Gary Jackson against Kendal but the latter returns on Sunday when neither club will be able to field a professional in the cup match.

Chorley dominated the Abbot Ale tournament for a recent period, reaching the final at Lord's on three separate occasions.

Chorley visit Leyland in a league clash tomorrow.

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