INTERNATIONAL youth teams form England and France are set to put on a display of top class rugby at Cougar Park on Tuesday evening.

The England Under-16s schoolboys team is largely made up of players who are already on the books of Super League teams and the French outfit is also expected to provide some tough opposition.

"The 'Test' will give local people a chance to see some of the major stars of the future in action at international level for the first time," said Keighley's Academy director, Jeremy Crowther.

The club has been given the fixture as a reward for its hard work in the community.

The match will kick off at 7pm with entrance costing £3 and £1.50 for concessions.

Before that Cougars have an Easter double treat for supporters, starting with the visit of Halifax to Cougar Park tonight (Friday).

They follow up with a Bank Holiday Monday clash with the new Blackpool club at the Preston Grasshoppers' ground. That game kicks off at 3pm.

Even though they cannot now qualify for the later stages of the Northern Rail Cup Gary Moorby's side will be determined to salvage their respect against Halifax. They produced a disappointing performance when the two clubs met at The Shay and Keighley went down 42-12. But after a commanding victory at London last weekend confidence will be high.

"We played our best 40 minutes of the season so far at London and we want to keep that kind of commitment going," Gary Moorby said.

Although he has a number of players with injury problems who could be doubtful for tonight's game he will calling for all out commitment, with any players coming into the side playing for a regular first team shirt.

"Halifax are going well and will be confident following their win over us at The Shay and their win over Hull K R last weekend. We feel we let ourselves down in our last meeting and did not show our true potential, this is a great opportunity to redress the balance.

"The game is a rare evening kick-off and playing under the floodlights always creates a great atmosphere, let's hope we get a big crowd down at Cougar Park to cheer the lads on," Moorby said.

He added that the team was keen to get their league campaign off to a flying start against the newly re-formed Blackpool side.

"They have had an up and down start to their season and recently sacked their coach Mark Lee. They have several experienced players in their ranks like Steve Molloy and Willie Swan and will no doubt be looking to start the season on the right note.

"An away win would be an ideal way to start our league programme, NL2 is going to be a very tough competition this season and away points will be real a real bonus," Moorby said.

n A string of VIPs will be in the crowd for next Tuesday's youth International at Cougar Park.

It will be one of the first duties for the new President of the Rugby League, Mr Philip Hindle of Castleford, who was elected last month.

He will be presented to the two teams before the game together with the Mayor of Keighley, Councillor Allan Rhodes. The chairman of the National School Sports Association is also due to attend.