Salford Red Devils coach Iestyn Harris thinks six wins may now be needed from the final nine Super League games to secure his side a play off spot.

Reds’ CEO Martin Vickers agrees with the boss and with players returning from injury and suspension, he is upbeat and very optimistic.

Reds could and should have had more than 11 points on the board and have been pegged back by sides they had a clear edge on only a few weeks ago.

This was before injury and suspension took their toll.

‘‘We have got away games coming up at Saints and Wigan but are not fazed by them,’’ says Martin Vickers.

‘‘We showed great spirit against Warrington but again had nothing to show and that is frustrating.

‘‘Having said that, key players are back and we know what we have to do from here on in.’’

Salford’s last win was against Wigan on Easter Monday- the last time Rangi Chase played before landing a seven game ban.

Vickers adds: ‘‘We have been competing and we know we could have had more points. Some winnable games are coming up.’’

Chase’s ban has hit Salford hard.

He sits out the Magic Weekend and then returns knowing he can redeem himself by helping Salford match their strong finish to last term.

If so, Harris’ hopes could still materialise.

Reds still have plenty to play for.

Michael Dobson remains sidelined for a month with a knee injury and interest in the Wakefield hooker Paul McShane could be reignited and further pursued this week.

Kevin Locke is also recovering from knee surgery.

Leigh forward Sam Hopkins has also been linked with Salford and some have even suggested another spell at the AJB for Logan Tomkins, the Wigan hooker has also been discussed.

Wakefield made the running for McShane’s loan move this ahead of the Warrington game but Reds turned down their request to take Theo Fages on loan.

The return of Cory Paterson was a massive boost for Salford on Friday night. He adds steel to the pack and has a presence about him.

Weller Hauraki was also forced to fill in as a makeshift half and impressed with a determined attitude and some clever touches. Lama Tasi missed the game with a knee injury.

Reds bosses were pleased with the response of the fans - a 6,000-plus attendance - a much better atmosphere and the same campaigns will be adopted for clashes with Hull KR and Catalan Dragons.

Reds expect four points from these games.

They are also among a number of clubs keeping close tabs on Leigh’s highly rated centre Tom Armstrong who started his career with Saints.

Reds have invested well from within the Championship and are pleased with the progress of Liam Hood, Jason Walton, Greg Johnson and Carl Forster.

The Walne brothers are back and impressing many with their direct style. Luke Menzies is still injured by in the main, Reds retain a powerful unit.

A replacement for Scott Taylor may well have to be found. Lewis Tierney could be on the move from Wigan but is not in Salford’s plans - Castleford seems a likely destination for the lad who played on the wing against Salford on Easter Monday.

Salford take on Widnes at the Magic Weekend and are due a win over the Vikings. Reds round off the domestic season with a trip to Widnes. Reds’ next home game is in July against the Dragons.

Junior Sa’u returned against Warrington a week earlier than planned - cycling speeding his recovery time.

Warrington coach Tony Smith admitted his side had been forced to work hard and dig deep to secure the points against Salford who were again harshly penalised at times by yet more inconsistent refereeing.

This has understandably become a frustration both for Harris and for fans.