VIKINGS’ boss Denis Betts reckons his side must win two of their remaining six regular Super League rounds to secure a place in the top eight.

Although Widnes are currently in eighth spot on 14 points - three and four ahead of Hull KR and Salford respectively – handling pressure will play a big factor in which teams make the cut.

The Middle 8s will be particularly tough this year given Huddersfield and champions Leeds are rooted to the bottom.

That, combined with Championship leaders Leigh recruiting smartly again in the hope of catching a team off guard in the one-off million pound game, has intensified the pressure to get in the top eight.

Betts said: “There are six games left, two wins will get us in the eight and three will get us a little bit higher up the table.

“We have got three home games in that and our destiny is in our own hands with the last six games, starting with a competition with a Castleford team that is just above us.”

Castleford have been in dazzling form in recent weeks, coinciding with the return of full back Luke Dorn and some powerful displays from back rower Junior Moors.

“We can get closer to them on Thursday.

their form has been pretty good over the last month especially,” Betts said.

“The hardest thing this week for us is getting the belief in our lads that we can go there and win and win well.

“That is a challenge over a short period where we have played Hull and really put in, but the scoreline looks like we have been flogged.

“That is the state we are in – but we need to rectify the mistakes we made last week and put them right on Thursday night.”

Betts is only too aware of the threat posed by Castleford - particularly on their own short pitch where every set is more or less an attacking one.

He added: “Luke Dorn has been key for them since he came back. Their left edge is strong – with Jake Webster and Junior Moors since has found his rhythm and is starting to play and is dangerous.

“They have Mike McMeeken who can offload really well and a forward pack that can pass and play.

“They like to play with the ball and challenge you every play. That is something we dropped off on and that is a focus we dropped off at the weekend that we need to be sharp on on Thursday night.”

With Hull KR just three points below a qualifying spot, the pressure is on.

Betts said all the players are aware of that - and what is at stake in the coming six weeks.

“Promotion relegation and the split has increased pressure on the teams in the sixth, seventh and eighth spots. “Everybody is in a position where they are vulnerable. Both ourselves and Wakefield are catchable – both Salford and Hull KR are sides that can win games.

“The pressure is going to build on those five teams the next six weeks and the side that handles that best and puts in some sold performances will come through.”

Vikings will have Pat Ah Van back from suspension - Stef Marsh has suffered a calf strain and is sidelined for around four weeks.

Eamon O’Carroll stretched a nerve in his neck at Magic weekend and that is just settling down.

Widnes 19-man: Ah Van, Bridge, Brown, Buchanan, Cahill, Chapelhow, Dean, Dudson, Hanbury, Heremaia, Houston, Leuluai, Manuokafoa, Mellor, Runciman, Sa, Thompson, White, Whitley.