Keighley Cougars
Eaton takes the heat off Cougars
Barry Eaton insists there is no pressure on his Cougars side ahead of the table-topping clash with Oldham on Sunday.
Both teams boast a 100 per-cent record but Keighley's boss believes their opponents have most to lose at Cougar Park.
"There's more pressure on Oldham than us," he said.
"They've been pretty public in saying they want promotion to National League One.
"That heaps more pressure on them to perform week in, week out whereas we're not expected to beat Oldham.
"They are a formidable side but confidence is high here and I certainly feel we've got a
better mentality in the squad than last year."
Former Bulls star Marcus St Hilaire is at full back for the visitors, ex-Widnes centre Mick Nanyn is another with Super League experience, but their skipper and former Cougars favourite Rob Roberts is injured.
Oldham, coached by ex-Keighley boss Steve Deakin, are in the Northern Rail Cup quarter-finals after beating Whitehaven on Sunday.
Eaton's men had the weekend off but the club has been hit by a flu bug which leaves second-rows Richard Knight and Greg Nicholson doubtful.
Sam Gardner is also missing with a hamstring strain, Karl Smith is banned and
influential prop Andy Shickell might be absent too if his wife goes into labour.
However, key duo Jon Presley and Chris Redfearn could return from injury.
"Ryan Smith will continue on the wing, Dave Norcross should be back too, while Ollie Pursglove may also play," added Eaton.
Meanwhile, the Cougars chief praised George Rayner after the full back was named in the National League Two team of the month.
He said: "He's scoring and creating tries and is really
dangerous wherever he plays but we should have had a
couple of others in too.
"Jamaine Wray had an
outstanding month but
probably gets over-looked because he comes off the bench. I think Brendan Rawlins has been the best prop in the competition while Danny Jones was unlucky not to get named."
Sunday's game is followed by the Cougar Cubs versus Saddleworth Rangers Under-18s National Youth League play-off, kick-off 5.30pm.
6:32pm Friday 11th April 2008
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