Browse Sections

• Salford City Reds
• Local football
• Local cricket

Strike force

Liam Chronnell
3/ 2/2005

REDS boss Karl Harrison is delighted with the firepower he now has at his disposal.

The Salford coach believes his new-look squad has a cutting edge which it lacked last term. And in Luke Robinson he has a player capable of sparking the Reds into life.

"Luke has certainly got potential and is exciting," said Harrison, ahead of his side's opening Super League game at Wigan a week on Friday. "I said in the close season we have got to build a team around him and he has taken that mantle on very nicely.

"He has got to grips with a lot of things and he looks very sharp and in good condition. He is going to be an exciting prospect for the rest of the season."

Moreover, in players like Karl Fitzpatrick and Kevin McGuinness, Salford have players who will benefit from his astute kicking game and tactical brilliance.

He added: "We've got a lot of strike this year and a lot dangerous runners with the football, which Salford probably havn't had in previous years and it's exciting."

Fitzpatrick has particularly impressed during the friendly games - leading to comparisons with Australia's outstanding full-back Anthony Minichello.

"Fitzy plays well every single week," said the Reds boss. "He's not unlike Anthony Minnichello in size and stature. He's not quite as good as him yet but he's a similar player."

Meanwhile, Salford are considering forging links with a top Australian club in the NRL.

Club officials revealed talks have taken place to set up what would be a first for a British Super League club.

The Reds are considering the link as they prepare for their move to a new stadium at Barton in 2007.