Ratchford keen to stand out

Stefan Ratchford is hoping to remain at stand-off as he bids to knock home-town club Wigan out of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

The 20-year-old started the campaign playing out on the wing but was shifted to his preferred position when Jeremy Smith was sidelined.

And since Ratchford's switch to play alongside scrum-half Richie Myler the Reds have won their last three matches on the spin.

However, coach Shaun McRae now faces a tough decision for Friday night's cup tie at the JJB Stadium with New Zealander Smith available again.

Outstanding

"Stefan has been outstanding for us," said McRae. "He's a very talented player who can play a multitude of roles.

"His chosen position is stand-off but he's done very well on the wing for us, even though it's probably his least preferred position. He's really given me a selection headache and I'm delighted about that."

Ratchford believes Salford's cup run has been key to helping them recover from a poor start to their league season on their return to the top flight.

"Early on in the season we weren't up to speed," he admitted. "We were sloppy with the ball and doing too much defending.

"But we got a win at Hull in the Challenge Cup and it pretty much turned our season around.

"Not many people thought we would get this far but, if we can win this game, anything can happen in a semi-final. Two years ago Catalans got through and beat Wigan and had a good day out at Wembley."

Victory over the Warriors would be particularly sweet for Ratchford, who still lives in Wigan and went to watch them on their last trip to Wembley in 1998.

"I'm a Wiganer and it's always good to play against them," he said. "This is going to be the biggest game I've played."

Stapleton back

As well as the possibility of recalling the fit-again Smith, the Reds could bring Australian prop Craig Stapleton back into their pack.

Wigan, who have been knocked out of the competition by Salford in 1996 and 2006, are sweating over the availability of Stuart Fielden.

The prop has been handed a one-match ban for illegal use of his knees but has appealed against the suspension in the hope of playing on Friday.

Coach Brian Noble has included George Carmont in his 19-man squad, meaning there is no place for leading try-scorer Shaun Ainscough.