PHIL STEPHENSON has been cleared to play in Cougar's make-or-break clash with Halifax on Sunday.

The forward was controversially sent off only minutes into the club's last game with Doncaster for an alleged 'high tackle'. It was a decision which may have cost the Keighley team victory - and vital points - as the 12-man team scored 30 points but could not contain the Dragons in defence.

This week he was cleared to play at an RFL disciplinary hearing which saw evidence of the tackle and decided his sending off was enough punishment.

Fans praised the 12-man side for their never-say-die attitude, but coach Gary Moorby warned he wanted more commitment in defence.

He is in no doubt about the importance of Sunday's match and is demanding a top performance from all his players.

He said: "This game is a huge one for us, Halifax are two points above us in the league table and a win would bring us level, but a defeat would widen the gap.

"A win would be just the tonic we are looking for. The confidence of some of our young players may be a little low at the moment and I am looking to our more experienced guys to set the platform.

"If our forwards can get on top of their six I feel we have the back line to win it.

"I expect our front rowers to lead from the front and take command, if they do that I feel we have a great chance."

Cougars have already played Halifax home and away in the Arriva Cup. On the first day of the season they just missed out as 'Fax secured an 18-12 win, and the Cougars will be looking to repeat their 26-8 home victory in March when Danny Ekis was a star of the show.

"We produced a great effort against Halifax in the Arriva Cup and the lads know what they can do if they apply themselves correctly. However, they are just as desperate for points as we are and it is likely to come down to who wants the points the most on the day," Moorby said.

Games between Keighley and Halifax have seen some titanic battles and Sunday's game is expected to be another tough encounter, with one of the biggest crowds of the season.

"Halifax always bring plenty of fans and I hope the 'Cougar Army' will be in good voice to help create a tremendous atmosphere.

"The lads are certainly looking forward to getting to grips with Halifax on the field and the backing of our fans will give this game an extra sparkle," Moorby said.

He can pick from an almost full squad, although captain James Rushforth remains on the long term injury list.

Matt Steel is back in training along with Karl Smith, we should be selecting from an almost full squad.

n Work to replace the roof of Cougar Park's main stand is set to start soon, but contractors will need time to remove the old asbestos sheets safely and clear up the site.

"They will need about 12 clear days to complete the work," said chairman Neil Spencer.