STOCKPORT County have signed two Premier League defenders on loan in time for the trip to Southend United.

Bolton's Polish centre-half Jaroslaw Fojut and Blackburn's Tony Kane, who spent a month at Edgeley Park in 2006, have joined Jim Gannon's side on one-month deals.

Fojut, 20, has been with Bolton since 2004, making his league debut two years ago, while Northern Ireland under-21 international Kane is a full-back who can play on either side of defence.

However, Gannon has praised his new central defensive pairing of Jimmy McNulty and James Tunnicliffe, who played well in the midweek Johnston's Paint Trophy defeat at Bury as well as last Friday's 3-1 win over Oldham.

The County boss said: "That was the best display I've seen from two centre-halves in a long, long time. They're both brilliant young players and they've got great futures.

"If we had had a few others that would have raised their game at Gigg Lane then we would have won that game comfortably."

After a run of five games unbeaten in the league, Gannon was disappointed at the way County lost to Bury 1-0 on Tuesday night.

And he knows Southend, who are on a four-game winning streak, will pounce on any weakness.

"I was expecting a little bit more from some of the players in the team I put out at Gigg Lane and they didn't deliver," he said.

"I'm just disappointed that some players have tremendous attitudes and tremendous ability while others don't come anywhere near them."

County will be again without keeper Owain fon Williams and striker Peter Thompson, who are away on international duty with Wales Under-21s and Northern Ireland respectively.

Fraser Forster will deputise in goal and Michael Raynes will again skipper after being rested for the midweek game to protect a tight hamstring.

Jason Taylor could make his first appearance of the season after recovering from a foot injury and Gannon thinks he could be an inspiration to the rest of the squad.

"It's been great to have him back on the training pitch," Gannon said. "Jason's a bit of a raw player but what he gives you is real heart. Maybe a few other lads at the club will learn about mental strength."

Winger Anthony Pilkington has been called up for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad to face Lithuania next Tuesday.

He will join up with his Hatters teammate Stephen Gleeson.

Southend league form: LWWWW

Stockport league form: WDDDW

Key opponent: Kevin Betsy - winger is due a goal

Prediction: Southend 1 Stockport 1 - It should be a close game between two decent sides and County should have enough to earn a point

Agree with the prediction? Have your say.

You can get 17/2 on Stockport winning 1-0 with Betfred. For this and more odds, click here.

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