VIKINGS boss Frank Endacott has set his side a Super League survival target of eight more wins ahead of this Sunday's visit to high-flying Hull.

The Kiwi believes 20 points will see his injury-ravaged squad safe for another year and, boosted by three new signings and the expected return of skipper Shane Millard, has targeted Salford as the next must-win match.

"I'm really disappointed at this stage but not down-hearted," he said of his side's 11th-place position in the league.

"I just expected a lot better but I don't appreciate the injuries.

"It is a concern but there's still plenty of time.

"After half-way we've got more games at home than away and I've no doubt we can still take another big scalp."

Even with the addition of winger Richie Barnett on loan from Hull and wing/centre Gray Viane from Saints, Endacott is unlikely to achieve that ambition at the ground where Widnes suffered their heaviest ever defeat (70-4) this time last year.

But 'Happy' Frank insists his side will go there aiming to build on their narrow challenge cup victory and try and end their run of 15 away defeats on the bounce.

"It's always a difficult trip away and they are playing well at the moment - they are one of the sides that have been impressing me - but we're not going there to run second I can assure you that," he said.

"I'm very excited about the new players. I've been impressed with their enthusiasm, physically they look good, they've got good technique and they come from clubs with winning cultures.

"I can't wait to give them a go this weekend."

Should the quality gap prove too far at Hull, Endacott will at least be boosted by the return of skipper Shane Millard and the likely return to fitness of Gary Connolly, Terry O'Connor and John Stankevitch in time to face Salford a week on Sunday.

"I'd just like a window where we don't get any injuries for a few weeks so we can get blokes out there and show what we're capable of, like we did against Bradford," he said.

"There's still a lot of belief in the squad and it's where we are at the end of the season that counts."

l STANDOFF Owen Craigie is expected to be fit in time to face Hull on Sunday

l FRANK Endacott will run the rule over youngsters Adam Bibey, Phil Wood and new signing Jamie Durbin in tonight's U21 game with Salford before naming his final squad