Caretaker manager Hakan Hayrettin says he sees the potential in Braintree Town's players as he prepares to lead the team back into Vanarama National League action at leaders Salford City on Saturday.

The game will be Hayrettin's first in charge as Braintree boss in the top flight of non-league football since a 2-0 defeat at Aldershot Town that signalled the Iron's relegation from the National League on the final day of the 2016/17 campaign.

He left the club in the wake of that demotion and knows he is only back at Braintree on a temporary basis for now, but he is enjoying the challenge and has been working with the players this week in the build-up to the game at the leaders.

From his early assessment, Hayrettin said he felt more experience may be required to bolster the group if they are to survive in the National League going forward, but he does see talent within the squad that he can work with.

"For me, it is all about recruitment because if you recruit right from early on then you have a chance," he said.

"Success is classed differently for every club; for sides like Barnet and Leyton Orient, it is all about promotion and for Braintree it will be staying in the league this year.

"I do think there is a lot of potential there from the players.

"But there are improvements to be had in certain areas and I do think there is a bit of a lack of experience.

"That comes with time, but we're working hard now."

Hayrettin knows heading to a Salford side who are flying high at the top of the league may be a baptism of fire for his first game back, but he said he and his players had to head north and be confident.

He added: "You may as well play them now as at any time and my job is to instil a confidence and belief in the players.

"I'll change the shape and give them instructions how I want them to play and you never know, we may get something from it."