STOCKPORT County boss Jim Gannon believes his young side are ready to prove themselves in tonight's derby against high-flying Oldham Athletic.

County went the whole of September unbeaten in the league, but have drawn their last three games and Gannon wants more from his players.

"Going unbeaten gives us confidence," said Gannon. "But draws are credible as long as they're interspersed with plenty of wins.

"We have to show that cutting edge, get the wins and then we'll have a real chance of making progress."

Latics lie second in League One after an unbeaten start to the season, and Gannon believes they are worthy of their position. "You've got to give credit to them," he added.

"They're at the top of the table, playing effective football.

"They've got a real potent attacking edge to them spearheaded by Lee Hughes.

"At the start of the season John Sheridan tipped his own team to be one of those to watch and you can see why he's got that confidence.

"They're playing the way the manager said they would."

County will be skippered tonight by 20-year-old Michael Raynes, who takes over following Gareth Owen's fall-out with Gannon at Cheltenham last Saturday.

"Michael is an integral part of our tactics and team shape and he stands out as the natural leader of the team," added Gannon.

Michael Rose will come in at left-back with Jim McNulty moving into central defence.

Crisp

"I love Friday night football at Edgeley Park, and if we have a crisp wet night it will be a fantastic game of football," said Gannon who will have James Tunnicliffe and Tommy Rowe available.

"It gives us a chance to pit ourselves against the best in the division and see if we come up to scratch.

"We've shown some encouraging form and now it's time to turn up our level of performance and show we're a match for them."

Oldham boss John Sheridan is set to make "one or two" changes for the visit to Edgeley Park.

He explained: "I just feel the time is right to shake things up a little.

"There might be some surprises but I know their strengths and weaknesses and we will have to wait and see if I have made the right decisions."

Midfielder Danny Whitaker (knee) looks to have won his fitness battle while Wales international striker Craig Davies could be given a rare start.

Loan signing Richie Byrne, 26, is also set to come into the back four.

Sheridan added: "Stockport are used to winning after a promotion season and we will have to be at our best because they have some decent players.

"You always have to be wary of teams who have just come up and if we don't get it right then we will get beaten

"But their home form hasn't been as good as it might and I will be picking a team to take all three points and put us back on top of the table.

"We are all confident of making it happen."

COUNTY have agreed a one-month loan deal with Newcastle United for goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

The Hatters have moved for the 20-year-old as cover for Owain Fon Williams who will miss the next two away games, at Bury and Southend.

Stockport league form: LWDDD

Oldham league form: DWWDD

Key opponent: Chris Taylor - lively youngster with an eye for goal

Prediction: Stockport 1 Oldham 1 - Latics are tough to beat but County should give it a good go

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 13/2 on County winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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