Another Super test for Steve

Jun 26 2008 by Ian Cheveau, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

another super test for steve

BOSS Steve McCormack is confident his Vikings can end their jinx at Celtic Crusaders tonight and give the Rugby Football League another reminder of their Super League calibre.

After smashing the National League attendance record with an 8,000-plus turnout for the televised game against Salford City Reds, Vikings are back in front of the Sky cameras against another of their licence rivals.

Although it won’t directly affect the RFL’s decision on July 22, a win in Bridgend would be very timely.

McCormack says the mood in the camp ‘couldn’t be better’ – the players and club are still on a high after their heroics against Salford on and off the pitch.

He said: “It’s an important game as we want to build on last week’s performance and victory and get the three points against Celtic.

“It’s no easy game down there as the Crusaders are one of the best teams in this division.

“We have slipped up twice against them (16-14 at home in the league and 50-18 away in the Northern Rail Cup) and let ourselves down, but the mood in the camp is really good and we are confident that we can do the job.”

The Widnes head coach added: “A lot has been said about Matty Smith, Chris Dean and Steve Tyrer and rightly so as they did a great job (against Salford). But they will be the first to tell you that it was about the team and not what they did as individuals.

“I have to give a big rap to the players who made the new lads settle in so well. We have an extremely tight-knit bunch here.”

Adel Fellous is an absentee through international duty for France against England tomorrow.

Danny Hill, having been dropped due to poor form, is back in contention to replace Fellous after an excellent display in the Under 21s.

Tommy Gallagher’s fitness will be assessed later in the week after recovery from a broken thumb while Richard Fletcher has a slight calf problem.

Tim Hartley, having had ankle surgery nearly three months ago, hopes to be back in first-team training next week while skipper Mark Smith (dislocated elbow) will be out for another four weeks.