Alker calls for Reds to show desire

Malcolm Alker, injured captain of beleaguered Salford, has a blunt message for his team-mates - shape up or ship out.

The relegation-threatened Reds take on form team Huddersfield at The Willows on Friday night, desperate to end the dismal run in Super League that cost coach Karl Harrison his job, with football director Steve Simms to take charge until Salford conclude the search for a new coach.

And Alker said: "The results haven't come our way up to now and the players have got to look at why they haven't come our way. As a whole, it's down to the players who haven't performed. Karl has had to take the bullet but we've got to look at where we've got to improve."

He added: "Individuals have got to start improving their game. Steve Simms or whoever is coaching has got to start being ruthless with these people. If they're not playing, they maybe need to have a break.

"It's our careers on the line and, if we don't start improving, people are going to lose their jobs. Hopefully, it's woken up a few people. No-one is safe. We've got to get results soon. At the end of the day, we're fighting for our livelihoods.

"We do believe that we can survive. We are only two games away from reaching Wakefield and that's not a massive ask. Our belief is going to come from one win."

Alker will be sat alongside Simms in the stand on Friday night as he recovers from a broken hand, the latest in a series of injuries that have added to the Reds' frustrations.

The inspirational hooker, who is in his testimonial season, is seen as a potential future Salford coach but, more immediately, Australian Shaun McRae is favourite to fill the vacancy, at least as a stop-gap measure.

The former St Helens and Hull boss flew into England on Thursday night to be greeted with the news he heads the Salford wanted list.

If he agrees to accept his toughest challenge yet, he will be unveiled in time for the Reds' trip to his old club Saints next Friday.