Kularoos Plymouth Raiders are 'really hopeful' guard Gavin Love will make a long-awaited return from injury tomorrow night.  The 29-year-old club captain has not played since April 15 and snapping a right Achilles tendon in Raiders' first round play-off exit at Scottish Rocks last season.

Raiders host Sheffield Sharks in a pivotal match-up at the top of the BBL Championship.

Victory will push 8-4 Raiders up to second in the standings, behind 9-1 leaders Newcastle. Sharks are 7-4 and currently fifth.

"We're really hopeful Gavin will play tomorrow," Raiders coach Gary Stronach said. "He's looking good in practice, but we just want to make sure everything is okay."

Love has started in Raiders' backcourt in each of the club's previous three seasons in the BBL.  Last year he averaged 10.7 points and 2.3 assists per game.

Anthony Martin, who has started in Love's spot this season, is currently averaging 8.3 points and 3.8 assists per game.

Love, if fit, will come off the bench tomorrow, but once up to speed it promises to be an intriguing contest between the pair for the right to partner Drew Lasker in Raiders' backcourt this season.

Rookie guard Brody Bishop is also in the mix and all three will be fighting for minutes and perhaps more importantly jobs next season.

Stronach said: "Gavin's a big part of the team and club captain.  "It's been a long haul for him in rehab, but it will be nice for him to start the season at home.  "Gavin knows he needs to get his game-legs back, but it will be just great to have him back."  Stronach added: "It's a big game for both clubs tomorrow.  "We want to maintain our push and go second, while (Sharks coach) Peter Scantlebury will be telling his players, 'We can go 8-4 and leapfrog Plymouth'. We don't want that to happen.  "We're on a nice run and playing some good basketball, and our defence is winning us games."

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