COUNTY boss Jim Gannon will not be writing off rock-bottom neighbours Macclesfield Town ahead of Saturdayés big Cheshire derby clash at Edgeley Park.

It has been a dreadful season so far for the Silkmen, who, ahead of last nightés FA Cup first round replay at Walsall, still hadnét won a game in any competition.

However, Gannon will not be treating the game any differently than if his side had been playing table-topping Walsall.

He knows County will be in for another tough test.

Gannon said: "Despite what many people may think, I wouldnét say this was a home banker for us.

"We have seen since Paul Ince arrived there that they are more than capable of keeping a clean sheet.

"Iém sure itéll be as hard a game as when we faced Barnet and Torquay recently, but weéll treat Macclesfield as though theyére top of the table. Weéve got to keep up our adrenaline and tempo.

"They are a well organised side who will definitely be no pushovers. It will not be a one-sided game.

"We must be wary of complacency."

Centre-backs Gareth Owen (hamstring) and Rob Clare (calf) are doubtful for Saturdayés game, so Gannon has revealed that youngster James Tunnicliffe could be in line for a full League debut.

Owen and Clare should both be ok for the FA Cup clash with Wycombe a week on Friday, while Michael Raynes (chest) is still around three weeks away from a possible recall.

Skipper Tony Dinning misses the Macclesfield game after accumulating five bookings, while Liam Dickinson had an operation on his knee last week and will be probably be out for around a month.

Meanwhile, Gannon has saluted the County board after they made funds available for him to pursue a sixth loan player last night [Tues] - teenager Keith Treacy from Blackburn Rovers.

Subject to the necessary paperwork being processed last night, midfielder Treacy - a Rovers reserve team regular - was set to join the Hatters on an initial one-month deal.

Gannon said: "The board have been great with me recently.

"Theyéve made money available for squad strengthening. Ités been great to see that theyéve been willing to re-invest the money weéve made from our recent successful run, back into the team.

"They appreciate what Iém trying to achieve. Ités vital that we bring in new players if weére to kick on, and maybe get into a position where we can push for promotion in the new year."

Gareth Owen, David Poole, Stephen Gleeson, John Ruddy and Tony Kane are already on loan at County, but Gannon fears that two or three of those players could be recalled shortly.

• NEGOTIATIONS with Adam Proudlock are ongoing. The striker, who last week revealed that he is keen to extend his stay at Edgeley Park, remains with County on non-contract terms for the time being.

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