OLDHAM were temporarily top of the table for the first time since October 2002 - but you won't find boss John Sheridan celebrating.

Far from it. Instead, he has told his players to put it out of their minds and to take one game at a time.

The veteran of two World Cups with the Republic of Ireland and countless big games at the highest level, Sheridan insisted: "We haven't won anything just yet."

Sheridan, Boundary Park's Mr Cool, added: "I am not getting carried away and it is important the players keep their feet on the ground.

"There is still a long way to go and in a division where every team is capable of beating each other, a lot can still happen.

"The job isn't done yet. Don't get me wrong, we deserve to be up there and we will enjoy it.

"But I will just keep on concentrating on what we have to do as it is vital we stick to what we have been doing and keep chipping away.

"If we keep winning games we will make it difficult for the other teams."

Sheridan is also mindful that he has one of the smallest squads in League One - he has just 17 players to choose from for tonight's visit of old rivals Blackpool.

He has already made moves in the loan market and revealed: "I need to bring in two or three people and I will be working hard to make it happen.

"It is important I get them because if we get any more injuries we will be struggling."

Crowds are also showing an increase as they share the Latics new-found success.

Sheridan said: "They have got right behind me and the team and if we keep winning I am sure they will stay with us.

"If they don't cheer when you are top of the table they never will, but I am sure they appreciate what we are trying to do.

"It is down to the lads that the crowds are back and if we keep exciting the supporters we will get even more.

"They are certainly getting plenty to chant about."

Top scorer Chris Porter has played a key role in Oldham's rise with 19 league goals.

Latics signalled their promotion intent when they turned down a '650,000 bid from Plymouth Argyle for the former Bury player in last month's transfer window.

The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer but revealed he is now in talks for a new deal to stay at Boundary Park.

Porter said: "Things are going well and I am happy here.

"Oldham have a great chance of going into the Championship and if they do I am sure they will stay there."

Blackpool will be the latest side to test the nerves tonight when the Latics will be without veteran defender Simon Charlton (hamstring) while midfield ace Richie Wellens starts a three-match ban against his old club.

Defender Kelvin Lomax yesterday signed a new contract which will keep him at Boundary Park until the summer of next year.

The 20-year-old had previously signed two short-term deals, the second of which was due to expire next month.

Lomax was shown the door by former manager Ronnie Moore last summer but was brought back by Sheridan, who coached the player at youth team level.

Ironically, Lomax was brought on as a substitute in Saturday's win over Moore's new club Tranmere and had his best game of the season.

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