THE Bulls will be primed to play party-poopers to spoil Keighley’s big day in the Challenge Cup.

Tomorrow’s fourth-round tie at Cougar Park has all the makings of a cracker as the League One hosts look to pull off a shock against their Bradford neighbours.

John Kear knows that everything is set up for a potential “banana-skin” afternoon for his team. But he is confident that they can back up last week’s impressive win over Leigh by proving their Championship credentials.

Kear said: “We know we’re going to have to work for 80 minutes. It’s made for a great occasion for Keighley.

“I know Craig Lingard very well and have regular contact with him. He’s absolutely delighted with what his players are putting in.

“He’s gone on big style to me about the spirit and work rate. Craig told me that he has a group of players who want to play for Keighley.

“If you’ve got players in for the right reasons because they want to play for the club, you are halfway there.

“This is all set up nicely for them, on their own ground, in front of what will be the biggest crowd of their season, a small pitch and trapdoor football – you lose and you’re gone.

“I expect a tough challenge. But we’ve just got to make sure we counter that and come up with another quality performance.”

The Bulls were convincing 54-6 and 54-4 winners in the two derby meetings last year – the first time the sides had met in the league since 1976.

And they will see this as a potential launchpad for a run in the Challenge Cup, which Kear has lifted twice as a coach with Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC.

Last season they were knocked out in round five by eventual finalists Warrington.

“The Challenge Cup is a magical competition and it’s just great to be in and amongst it,” added Kear. “You want to be involved as long as you can.

“There have been some classic games over the years at all levels and all rounds.

“I’m sure Keighley will be challenging us with a pretty special performance and we’ve got to be ready to match that.”

Kear has made changes in his squad as he looks to rotate ahead of the approaching busy Easter schedule. The Bulls also have extra games in the 1895 Cup to factor in.

The coach is wary of overloading his players, particularly with the on-going injury issues that have dogged his selection plans from the start.

Kear said: “We had a hectic pre-season, we’ve got 27 regular season rounds, we’ve got the Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup and hopefully, with a bit of luck, the play-offs.

“There’s a lot of football to be played and one of the reasons the squad was assembled was to counter the injury situation.

“We can argue whether we have done that or not but we also have to counter the fact there is a two-game Easter and there’s going to be midweek 1895 Cup games as well.

“Yes, I will be resting up some of the squad with regards to looking at the bigger picture. But I also acknowledge we need to play well in order to win.”