DARRELL Goulding has spoken about his lasting debt to the Salford for helping breathe new life into his Super League career.

He started the season at Wigan but fell out of favour and had to turn out for the Warriors' second string.

Goulding had become frustrated. Reds then took him on loan and put his career back on track.

He's since been recalled by Wigan but returned to the JJB both refreshed and revitalised from his time at the Willows.

Talent

Salford have thrown him a career lifeline - club bosses were sorry to see him go - so too were the fans. His last outing in a Salford shirt saw him score a try and shine in the win over Saints.

"We would have Darrell back tomorrow if we could," said Salford's Steve Simms.

"He's a terrific player and a great lad. He was good for us and I think we were good for him. He played well and we saw what a talent he is."

Goulding agrees, he says: "I've certainly benefited from my time at Salford - it really helped me. They're a great club, they have some top players and I enjoyed my time there.

"At first, I was a bit hesitant about going and leaving Wigan but I've no regrets. I wanted to be playing Super League rugby week in week out. My spell at Salford helped me, it kept me sharp, it kept me hungry. I enjoyed being part of a close-knit squad. I still keep in touch with a lot of the Salford lads. Being able to play regularly at the highest level was just what I needed."

Warriors' coach Brian Noble recalled Goulding earlier this month due to a crippling injury list.

Darrell adds: "My first day back at Wigan was a bit strange. Don't forget I'd been away for about three months. I'd become part of the Salford set-up but I soon spotted a few familiar faces and got back into a routine at Wigan. Things have gone well. I just want to finish the season on a high and do my bit for Wigan. We've certainly got some really big games coming up starting with tonight's clash against Leeds."

Campaign

Goulding made his debut for Salford in France. He was outstanding in his final game against St Helens and he quickly made his mark on his return to Wigan.

Darrell scored the winning try in the last minute victory over Les Catalans. He came off the bench at Bradford last week and helped his team to another fine win.

He says: "We haven't been going too badly at all and like I say, we are looking for a strong finish and to be there or there abouts come the end of the season."

It's certainly been a roller-coaster campaign for Darrell, a specialist centre, but it could still end up with a fairy tale Wembley appearance.

Despite spending time at Salford, Goulding is eligible to play for Wigan in their forthcoming Cup semi-final with Warrington.

"It really is a strange game," he says, "you never know what's coming next and you just have to be prepared and to get on with it."

Darrell's immediate priority is helping the Warriors to another win tonight in the big Roses' battle with Leeds.

Darrell says: "There's certainly a terrific buzz around the place in readiness for this game. It's been marketed brilliantly and hopefully we can maintain our winning form. I'm just glad to be in the 17. I like it at centre, I don't mind playing on the wing. I am back at Wigan. I've a job to do and we're reaching a very important stage of the season when form is everything."

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