LET'S HIT THE GROUND RUNNING (From Warrington Guardian)

LET'S HIT THE GROUND RUNNING

WIDNES Vikings are looking to defy their critics and hit the ground running when they take on newly promoted Salford City Reds on Sunday.

Coach Neil Kelly is confident his squad has what it takes to prove wrong those who have predicted the Vikings will finish bottom of the heap in 2004.

"It is important to get off to a good start and people will look at our pre-season results and see a potential slip-up," he said.

"But I am happy with the way preparations have gone and have seen some promising signs in our play, especially our attacking.

"What we do out on the pitch is the only thing that matters. What people say about our chances this season doesn't count. Only results do.

Potential

"Our new signings have great potential and talent and have settled in well here. We also have some good young talent coming through the ranks, like Rowlands and Robinson, who need to be ready to step up when needed.

"Our squad may be thinner than last season but it is stronger and with a bit of luck, we should continue to do well.

"The game against St Helens was something we needed to get up to speed and although the result didn't go our way, we created plenty of chances and had the better of the first half."

New signing Aaron Moule won't make the squad as he is not 100 per cent fit, and Daniel Frame is doubtful due to a minor wound infection.

Andy Hay will captain the side against Salford who will be looking to new signing prop-forward Andy Coley and established star Malcolm Alker to make an impression.

The club announced that it would not be taking on young international hooker Andrew Henderson after a trial.

Winger Paul Devlin will have reconstructive knee surgery this week and will be out for most of the season.