KEIGHLEY Cougars head coach Craig Lingard has praised winger Andy Gabriel for the dedication and improvement he has shown over the past year.

Gabriel scored two tries and was at the heart of many of their best moves during their recent 26-18 victory over London Skolars.

As he prepared his side for tomorrow's Betfred League One encounter at Doncaster, Lingard said: “Over the last 12 months, he’s developed and improved beyond recognition.

“This season he’s been so consistent and it’s a testament to his hard work in training, including extra stuff with the coaches after everyone’s gone back inside.

“He’s a massive player for us, not just finishing tries with his pace, but the work he does making yardage. He sets a platform for our big men to make carries upfield.”

Skipper Josh Tonks is still suffering from the back injury that forced him off at half-time in the victory over the London Skolars a fortnight ago and misses tomorrow's match at the Keepmoat.

On the plus side, Darrell Griffin (quad) returns after missing out on the win over London with Benn Hardcastle (concussion) being cleared to play.

The other change to the squad that featured last time out sees Harry Aaronson, who has been on international duty with the English Universities, replacing Jose Kenga.

Lingard said: “Hamish Barnes returned to training last week and Josh Lynam has the pot off his broken arm, but both are still a few weeks away from being selected.

“Darrell Griffin has had three weeks to rest his quad and his experience will be massive.”

Cougars are hoping to add to the recent woes of a Doncaster side that has slipped back in recent weeks.

He said: “We’ve won three on the bounce and they’ve lost two in a row. We may have more confidence, although that means nothing unless you perform well.

“They’ve also been affected by the injury crisis at Hull, who have dual registration with Doncaster.

“They’ve recalled Hakim Miloudi, and Liam Harris, who played for Doncaster last week at Oldham.

“We just have to play the team that’s put in front of us.”

Hamish Barnes (shoulder) is close to a return to full training with Josh Lynam (arm) and Emmerson Whittel (knee) both still sidelined.

Squad: Hawkyard, Gabriel, Ryder, Dixon, Beharrell, Law, Conroy, Rawlins, Emmett, Wright, Hallas, Leeming, Bailey, Hardcastle, Aaronson, Nicholson, Parker, Whiteley, Griffin.