SALFORD coach Brian Noble is hoping a round of clear-the-air talks will pay off tonight when his bottom-of-the-table team host St Helens at Barton.

As ambitious owner Marwan Koukash prepares to bring in a host of big-name players for 2014, the former Great Britain coach promised to clarify the futures of his current squad after admitting the uncertainty had begun to affect performances.

It is thought there could be as few as seven players guaranteed to be kept on next season as the Reds continue to be linked with players of the calibre of Michael Dobson, Adrian Morley, Rangi Chase, Harrison Hansen and Gareth Hock.

Noble pledged to act after claiming several players “appeared to lack commitment” during their 46-10 home defeat by Wakefield in their last match.

“The players are probably fully aware now of where they stand or don’t stand, which wasn’t the case before I came,” Noble said.

“I said I’d give everybody an opportunity and I think I’ve done that. I’ve been here seven weeks now and I think I’ve managed to make some assessments.

“I’m quite prepared to have my mind changed and there is still an opportunity for those who care to grasp it. However, everybody is aware of their future.”

Noble has given up hope of getting Bradford’s want-away forward Elliott Whitehead in time for tonight’s game and they could lose out altogether as Catalan Dragons step up their interest.

Australians Liam Foran and Vic Mauro, who joined Salford a month into the season, appear to have paid the price for the Wakefield debacle after being left out Noble’s 19-man squad for the St Helens match.

“There were plenty of people beside them who looked like they lacked commitment,” Noble said.

“We’ve shuffled the team around a little bit with a view to getting a bit of a response.”

Noble’s hands are tied by the existence of a small squad but he plans to take a look at teenager Niall Evalds, who made three Super League appearances earlier in the year.

“Niall’s a full-back who can play a bit of wing,” Noble said. “He’s quick. I really like him. His attitude is first-class so we need to give him an opportunity.”

Saints have lost second-rower Sia Soliola with a foot injury, but have influential duo Jonny Lomax and James Roby back from long-term absences and showed signs of returning to form with a 30-18 win over Bradford in their last match.