REDS coach Steve McCormack left Wilderspool on Friday night knowing he will soon have to don his thinking cap!

Steve has to sit down and select his best line-up with the Challenge Cup looming large on the horizon.

This trial game was a useful exercise - a competitive clash - and several players staked a claim to be first in the queue for a Reds jersey.

Salford trailed 16-6 at the break and McCormack admitted this part of the game was disappointing but things improved after half-time when Warrington were starved of possession.

Ian Watson and Bobbie Goulding had their moments for the Reds. Youngster Neil Baxter chipped in with a good try but both teams clearly have much fine tuning to do.

Warrington looked good early on with Aussie skipper Matt Rodwell ruling the roost. Tom O'Reilly, who nearly joined Salford last season, grabbed an early try.

Second half run

Salford then cut loose at times in a one-sided second half. Reds lacked a number of first team stars but as McCormack pointed out those on view certainly staked a claim to be in his cup starting line-up.

McCormack said: ''We played much better in the second half but there is still considerable room for improvement. We still have much work ahead.''

Reds and Warrington now wait to see who they will face in the fourth round of the cup.

Both teams made positional changes but Salford were worthy winners and played some good enterprising, attacking rugby.

McCormack has every reason to be upbeat considering the balance of the squad and the competition for places.

Warrington can build on this with several players impressing alongside Rodwell, who is clearly a key figure in Steve Anderson's plans for the coming campaign.

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