TRAE O’Sullivan has been told to stay patient in his recovery from concussion which has kept him sidelined for more than a month.

The Cougars prop has not featured after sustaining the injury in the second pre-season game against his old club Batley.

And the former Bulldog is likely to face several more weeks out before making his competitive bow after signing permanently for Keighley in the off-season.

Coach Craig Lingard said on Tuesday: “Trae has not started training properly. James Feather had something similar a couple of years ago.

“He had bad concussion and I think he was out for three months. Hopefully it is not as bad for Trae but we’ve got to look after his safety and make sure he is right.

“I know he is keen to get back starting but obviously our medical staff are looking at long-term repercussions as opposed to the short term.

“It is encouraging that Trae wants to get back training with the lads and back into game-time but it has got to be right for him and for us as well.

“He is probably going to need a couple of weeks’ training and maybe a couple in the reserves just to get some game fitness behind him.”

Fellow prop Harvey Hallas is expected to be okay for Sunday’s Challenge Cup trip to North Wales Crusaders after a cut above his eye.

That leaves Cameron Leeming and Dan Parker as the other injured absentees. Leeming is due to have an operation on his knee and, though the problem is not as bad as feared, the centre will be out for at least a couple of months.

Parker was due to have surgery on his broken hand yesterday and will also be out for a sustained period.