COUGARS star Ash Lindsay is hoping his latest injury setback is not serious as he gears up for a season he admits could be his last.

The 32-year-old loose forward suffered a hyper-extension of the knee during last month’s friendly against Halifax at Cougar Park and will miss the start of the league campaign at South Wales Scorpions on March 6.

He broke his leg during last season’s win at Coventry Bears, after suffering a similar setback at Workington in March 2014, which ruled him out for a similar period last season.

Lindsay, signed from Batley Bulldogs ahead of the 2014 campaign, is currently waiting to undergo an MRI scan to ascertain the seriousness of the injury.

The highly-regarded back-rower said: “I need to go for an MRI scan, but I don’t think it’s as serious as I first thought and I’m hoping to get back as soon as possible.

“I have seen the physio at Keighley and he doesn’t think it’s too bad but the doctor told me to go and have an x-ray after it happened.

“I’ve got my knee in a brace and I’m recovering pretty well, so hopefully it’s not going to be a long-term one.

“There is no point playing in friendly games and I just need to rest it as much as I can to hopefully get ready to play again as soon as possible.”

Describing the moment he sustained the injury against Halifax, Lindsay said: “It happened in the first minute of the game – I received a pass and then got smashed.

“Their player landed on my knee but it wasn’t intentional because it’s a contact sport. These things happen.”

Lindsay has been granted a testimonial by the RFL this year and says he is unsure whether to continue playing beyond this season.

He said: “I’m undecided at the moment. I’ve got my testimonial this year and will organise a few events for that and see how they go.

“It is a big season for me and I want to be pushing boundaries.

“If it is my final year then I want to finish on a good note by playing as many games as possible.

“I have already broken both legs in the two seasons I have been at Cougars.

“It is part and parcel of the game, but to be injured three times in as many years is maybe my body telling me it has had enough!

“But my main focus is on getting back playing and getting Keighley promoted to the Championship.”

Lindsay is encouraged by the squad that head coach Paul March has assembled during the off-season, adding: “I think we have got a better team than we had last year.

“The two young lads from Hull KR (Aaron Ollett and Sonny Esslemont) are going well and what we have this year is three or four lads fighting for every position.

“I think Paul will find it hard to pick the side but I want to give something back to the fans after the injuries I’ve had in the past couple of seasons.”

Cougars play their final pre-season friendly at home to Hunslet Hawks on Sunday (3pm) before their iPro Sport League One Cup tie at Wath Brow Hornets on Saturday, February 20.

Keighley head coach Paul March is set to name his strongest side available but Lindsay is joined by Jode Sheriffe, Darren Hawkyard, Sean Kelly and Scott Lee on the injury list.

Hunslet coach Matt Bramald, a former coach and player with Keighley who recently took over at Hawks after ex-Cougars chief Barry Eaton stepped down, is also expected to also name his strongest available line-up.

Daniel Williams and Jamie Milburn are available after signing following successful trials with the club.