Cougars’ close season loose forward signing Carl Hughes is in the running to make his first appearance for Keighley in the Carnegie Challenge Cup third round tie against French club Pia Donkeys at Cougar Park on Saturday evening (Kick off 7.00pm).

Hughes, who joined the Cougars from Featherstone Rovers, suffered a serious knee ligament injury playing in the pre-season cross code game against Bradford and Bingley rugby union club on December 28 and has been in rehabilitation ever since.

Cougars head coach Barry Eaton said: “Carl’s healed well and worked hard to regain his fitness and we’re hoping to give him some game time against what appears to be a very strong Pia team”.

Hughes has been included in the 20-man squad from which the final 17 who play against the Donkeys will be chosen after training on today (Friday).

Also in the 20 will be prop forward Andy Shickell, who has been recovering from a knee problem and scrum half Craig Fawcett.

But there is no place in the squad for winger Lee Mapals as a disciplinary measure. He missed the team bus for the Northern Rail Cup game against Barrow.

Cougars (from) George Rayner, Sam Gardner, Dan Potter, Ryan Smith, Gavin Duffy, Jon Presley, Danny Jones, Scott Law, James Feather, Neil Lowe, Will Cartledge, Oliver Pursglove, Greg Nicholson, Jamaine Wray, Simon Bissell, Craig Brown, Karl Gunney, Carl Hughes, Craig Fawcett, Andy Shickell.

Glad to have you back Schikell - shame about Mapals he was showing some real talent

After reading in the Keighley news about Mapals, hopefully it is going to be the kick up the backside he needs.
He really is one exciting player. Lets hope he can knuckle down and regain his place.

One thing to come out of this, is knowing players are prepared to put the team first. Well done Sam Gardener.

Sam has always given his all when playing

If you just read on the York forum about Lee Maples dated 7/3/09, then it's mentioned there he's a liability. If this is going to be the case, then it wants nipping in the bud now. I hope last week was just an hick up and proves these people wrong.

To me( & apologies if you are reading this Lee)...but

A team needs players that are it can bank on whatever happens .....over the years we've had some great team men ... Rammy , Stevie Hall, Gates, Phil Stevo and others ..... & sometimes consistency , endeavour, and commitment will conquer over sheer talent.

Sam G is without doubt our man that level ,& if I were Baz he'd be the first name on my team sheet every week .

Exciting a player Lee is ( and I don't doubt his ability )its up to him to show us the commitment and dedication the supporters want..........

Ps Great to see Carl back think he will be a top man for us

That's quite profound for a woman.
Now go and put the kettle on love

Oh you charmer

GW, its not hard to see why all the women rush to, sorry, meant to say past you lol!

Even more amazing that I actually wrote it after an evenings 'refreshment'

PS Bog off n clean your car

It's a wonder he's still got a car. I was following him a week last friday through Carleton in Craven and lets just say I hope it was the lads first time out in a car. You did right pulling over at Skipton crem or you might of ended up in there.