Keighley Cougars face a minor injury crisis in preparation for their tough trip to Whitehaven tomorrow.

Richard Smith limped off last week against Sheffield with a hamstring injury which should also mean he misses out tomorrow.

His obvious replacement Graeme Hallas started training with the Cougars this week, but may not be risked. He too has suffered a hamstring injury.

But the most damaging news is that Martin Wood, the Cougars linchpin, is also set to miss the trip as his wife is expecting a baby this weekend. He will be allowed to travel tomorrow, the day after the squad, if his wife delivers today. Otherwise he could be the most crucial absentee.

Other players doubtful are skipper Alan Boothroyd and Ben Thompson. Coach Karl Harrison described both players' chances of being fit as "no better than 50-50."

Ian Hughes is also carrying a knee injury and long-term absentees Mark Foster, Jason Ramshaw and Mick Slicker remain ruled out for months rather than weeks.

Having said that, Harrison is quietly confident of coming away from Cumbria with the points.

He said: "Whitehaven might look at the league and target us for a win, but they are coming off the back of two defeats and I think this is definitely a game we can win.

"Kevin Tamati is an excellent coach and will have his players well prepared, but I'm sure that we can go and test them. We have got to start putting runs together.

"The thing that has been missing from our game all season is consistency. Our target for this month was three wins out of four games and we've already lost one so we must do well up there tomorrow."

With all the injuries Harrison was unable to name his squad before this afternoon and that could change depending on Wood's circumstances.

The Cougars Alliance team were at home to Whitehaven at Cougar Park today (2.30pm) and one or two players who impress could also make the trip to Whitehaven.

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