Livewire hooker Eric Johnson makes his Cougars debut tonight, with boss Peter Roe enthusing: "He reminds me of Rob Burrow."

Keighley beat off stiff competition to snap up the highly-rated Oldham St Anne's star, who goes straight in for the rearranged Northern Rail Cup contest at

Rochdale.

Johnson, 19, impressed during pre-season trial run-outs against Batley and the Bulls before returning to the amateur ranks to feature with Great Britain under-18s.

However, he has now penned a two-year contract at Cougar Park and Roe believes the club has got a true gem.

"Without putting too much pressure on Eric, I would compare him with Leeds' Rob Burrow," he said.

"He is a superb signing for us, a real star of the future, and we have had to work hard to get him.

"Oldham, Rochdale and Swinton were all after his signature. He has just recently played for BARLA Great Britain under-18s against the French but believes the next stage of his career is to get into the pro game. He's doing that with us but I don't know how long we'll be able to keep him here as he is that good.

"Eric's signed a two-year contract though so if anyone does come in for him they'll have to get their hands in their pockets!"

The Cougars have also brought Bulls' Senior Academy prop Neil Cherryholme in on loan and he will feature at Spotland this evening as Roe's buoyant charges bid to make it three wins on the trot.

Successes over West Bowling and Halifax see Keighley travel in confident mood but their small squad is currently being tested to the hilt.

Roe has doubts over centre Mick Fogerty (foot) and winger Sam Gardner (shoulder), while he is unlikely to risk Marco Ferran-zano (nose) and Darren Nixon (dead leg).

Academy full back Gavin Duffy and

centre Gareth Holmes, both 18, are each in line for debuts.

Meanwhile, loose forward Terry Fitzger-ald is another player to sign permanently, agreeing a one-year contract having done well during three games while on trial from amateurs Waterhead.