McRae joined Salford Reds in June 2007

Salford coach Shaun McRae has said the trip to second-placed Celtic Crusaders is the ideal fixture to end their regular season.

The Reds 46-0 victory against Batley ensured an eight-point lead at the top of National League One.

McCrae told BBC Radio Manchester: "That is a good last round for us to play because they are probably going to have to win it to finish in second place.

"I am certainly not taking a team down there that is going to be weakened."

He added: "We are going to have a couple of weeks without a game after the Celtic match, which obviously affects my team selection.

"I need to take a strong side to Celtic because of the lack of further games so that is a good last hit for us before the play-off series begins."