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McRae: 'We need to be at our best'

4/ 9/2008

SALFORD coach Shaun McRae says that the Reds will need to be at their best if they are to win their Grand Final Eliminator with Celtic Crusaders next Thursday, September 11, kick-off 7.30pm.

McRae considers Celtic to be the best side that Salford have faced in National League One this season.

The Crusaders won at home to Salford 20-10 in their last game before the play-offs and McRae expects Celtic to play even better than they did on that occasion next week.

McRae said: "I have been saying for a long time that us and Celtic are the two best sides in the division. We have played them three times this season so we know a lot about each other.

"They played well when we lost at their place two weeks ago but it was clear that they were more desperate for the points than us on that occasion.

"We gave too much ball away but we will play a lot better in the Grand Final Eliminator. And we will need to as well because I also expect Celtic to improve their performance levels."

The Reds, who will have home advantage in the Grand Final Eliminator which has been selected for live Sky television coverage, are back in full training having been given a well deserved few days off last week.

McRae said: "The players deserved a mini-break as they have worked hard this season and achieved so much. They have benefited from the rest and are in top shape for the big game. We will be ready."

Salford have announced a series of special ticket offers for the game. Two hundred family passes (two adult and two children) can be reserved on a first come, first served basis by calling: 0161 736 6564.

And special prices for tickets purchased by 5pm on Wednesday, September 10, are: Season ticket holders: Adults £10, concessions £5, juniors £1. Non-season ticket holders: Adults £12, concessions £6, juniors £1.

Tickets bought on match day cost £15 for adults and £9 for all other spectators.