SONNY Esslemont is determined to win promotion to the Championship following his move to Cougar Park.

The promising young forward, currently involved in Scotland’s European Championship campaign, has joined Keighley following his release from home-town club Hull Kingston Rovers.

Esslemont is not fazed by dropping down two divisions as he has already played in the third tier for Newcastle Thunder on dual-registration.

And the ambitious 21-year-old is keen to make his mark with Paul March’s squad, which is taking shape nicely following the arrival of brothers Darren and Richie Hawkyard, former Bradford Bulls youngster Vinny Finigan and Hull KR duo Esslemont and Aaron Ollett.

Josh Guzdek, who ended the 2015 season on loan at Cougars, and Esslemont have left Hull KR and joined Dewsbury and Keighley respectively.

Esslemont, who made five Super League appearances for Chris Chester’s side during the past season, said: “I spoke to Josh about Keighley and he really enjoyed his time here.

“My time at Hull KR was brilliant and I thank them for everything they have done for me.

“I had been there since I was 15, through scholarship, academy and then into the first team.

“I signed a three-year deal but that expired at the end of the season and I became a free agent.

“I only played five times this year and once last year, so I just wanted regular games.

“I was on dual-reg at Newcastle and just thought it would be best to go to another club where I can fight for my position.

“I had interest from quite a few clubs but they were a fair distance away whereas Keighley is in Yorkshire.

“I spoke to my agent and we both agreed that going there and playing regular football would be the best thing for me.

“I’ve seen who we have signed for next year and we will be a very strong team in League One.

“I played against the Hawkyard brothers at Swinton and they were always stand-out players then.

“Adam Brook, who was at Bradford, is another quality player and I’ve played against him quite a few times.

“He’s always dangerous and I’m delighted that Aaron Ollett has signed as well.

“He will be my travelling partner up to Keighley and I think we will help each other to settle in.

“I’m just looking forward to starting pre-season and hopefully impressing the coach and getting a starting jersey.

“When I spoke to Paul March, he made it clear that we are really going to push for promotion this year.

“With the squad we have assembled, I don’t see why we can’t achieve that. Hopefully we will be back in the Championship at the end of the season.”

Esslemont’s departure from Hull KR and the full-time environment will necessitate him finding a job to supplement his part-time earnings at Cougars.

“I’m trying to become a labourer and work in construction,” he explained.

“I’ll be staying in Hull and trying to look for work here. I’ve been working a few days on and off now.

“But I need to find something a bit more permanent because I’m coming out of the full-time environment.”

Despite not being offered a new deal by Robins boss Chester, Esslemont looks back at his time at the club with happy memories.

He played in the Hull derby in the Magic Weekend at Newcastle earlier this year and said: “At first it was tough because I grew up as a Hull FC supporter, so when I signed for Rovers I got a bit of stick from my mates.

“But it was a Hull team nonetheless, so I wasn’t really that fussed.

“The dream for me was always to play in a Hull derby and I did that this year, so I was really glad I did that in my final season at Rovers.

“Unfortunately we got beat, but to play in the Magic Weekend at St James’ Park in Newcastle was a fantastic experience.

“I’ve got one more game with Scotland in the European Championship and then I’ll be straight into pre-season at Keighley and looking to establish myself.

“There have been a few players who seem to drop out of Super League, perform well at a lower level and then get back up. Hopefully I can follow suit.”

Esslemont will provide Cougars boss March with versatility and he said: “I like playing second row or loose forward but I can play a bit of prop too as I’m 6ft 3in and 98kg.”