Cougars: Karl Harrison's view from the dugout

Setting aside the unfairness of having to travel to Dewsbury, we are not intimidated by having to play away at the Ram Stadium. We will have to beat the best teams to win the competition so I am not concerned when, or where, we have to beat them.

To be fair, I don't think that home advantage makes too much difference in cup competitions. It is also a flat level playing field and won't be detrimental to the way we play.

TRAINING has been going well over the past couple of weeks.

After a week of intensive training, we have been working this week on technical aspects of our play - with and without the ball. We have also been keeping the players firmly focused so that they are mentally prepared going into the game.

Also, apart from long-term injuries, I am able to select from a fully fit squad - a real bonus at this stage in the season.

IT IS no secret that I have real reservations about the TV cameras being allowed into the dressing room, particularly during the half time team talk.

In such important games, it is essential that the players remain focused and are not distracted by the intrusion of cameras.

When given the opportunity this week, I expressed my concerns officially and have agreed a compromise which I hope will improve the situation.

GOOD LUCK to Steve Deakin on his appointment as Rochdale coach. He has been a great help to me this season and although I will be sad to see him go, I am pleased that he has got his own coaching job.

He fully deserves the opportunity and I am sure that he will make a success of it.

I WENT over to Dewsbury last week to run the rule over our next opponents. What struck me was that the Featherstone fans outnumbered the Dewsbury fans by about three to one.

It certainly gives players a boost when they get a large number of enthusiastic supporters behind them. If that's what Featherstone can do, we should be able to turn the Ram's Stadium into Cougar Park - so it won't seem like playing away after all. See you there!