SAMIR Tahraoui is aiming to use his loan spell at Keighley to force his way back into the Bradford side.

The towering prop has joined Cougars on a one-month loan and marked his debut with a fine display in last Sunday’s 66-6 win over South Wales Scorpions.

He was dropped by Jimmy Lowes after the Easter Monday win at Dewsbury and has also been sidelined by injury – but is now determined to reclaim his spot.

Algeria-born Tahraoui said: “I had not played for eight weeks and it felt good to be back out there, so hopefully my performances for Keighley can put me in contention to get back in the Bradford side.

“I signed for Bradford and I want to play for them and impress the coach.

“It was just unfortunate that in the Dewsbury game I made a few defensive errors. One of them led to a try and, for Jimmy, defence is key so if you mess up in that area then it doesn’t bode well at all.

“I know where my faults lie and I’m working on them each week to try and perfect them.

“It’s difficult with us having such a big squad and relatively few injuries. It’s a case of biding your time and doing what needs to be done.

“I’ve not come here to be a loan player but if that’s what I need to do to get back in then so be it.

“I’ve just got to knuckle down in training, play well for Keighley and hopefully Jimmy will take note and get me back in as soon as possible.”

Tahraoui impressed in the opening weeks of the campaign but Epalahame Lauaki and Steve Crossley have since emerged as Lowes’ two favoured bench props.

Tahraoui, a close-season signing from Whitehaven, said: “I’d been happy coming off the bench.

“I need to try and force my way back into the side through training hard and then playing well for Keighley.

“I think all the players know where they stand. If you go and do what’s asked of you, then you'll get back in.

“I know what I need to do and I’ve just got go out there and do the job each week.

“Hopefully Jimmy will see that and, if he speaks to the coaches at Keighley, he will get some positive feedback about me.

“Without sounding arrogant, I’m aware of my capabilities and I know that when I’m on my game I can perform really well.”

Adam Brook – who today confirmed he would remain on loan at Cougars for the rest of the season – has scored three tries in two games.

Tahraoui said: “It’s always good to have a familiar face when you join a new team.

“Brooky put me through some gaps last Sunday and is clearly a very good player.”