LIAM Darville has set his sights on becoming a regular feature in the Keighley Cougars’ first team picture.

The former West Bowling amateur made his professional debut against Oldham after an impressive season to date in the reserves.

Speaking following the Oldham game, Darville said: “My goal for the year is to become a regular in the first team and make that half-back position my own.

“I need to get up to scratch with the speed and physicality of the division but I’m sure once I’ve done that, I’ll be playing week in, week out.”

But it’s been a longer journey to this point than most for the young utility back that nearly had his career cut short through work commitments.

“I started out as a junior with West Bowling and then I was with the Bradford Bulls and was there for a couple of years but had to give it up because of work.

“I carried on my career at West Bowling but then I got a call off Dean Muir, the reserve coach here, and came down to have a year in the reserves before finally making the step up against Oldham.”

Making his debut alongside veteran Paul Handforth at half-back, Liam spent the majority at full back after an early injury to Jesse Sheriffe.

“I can play anywhere across the back but prefer it in the halves. I thought my personal performance wasn’t anything special because I didn’t want to overdo things on debut.

“I’ve been training to run at half-back but with Jesse’s injury I had to slot in at full back but it wasn’t too much of a change because I’ve been playing there all season for the reserves but I was just happy to step up with a win.”