STOCKPORT County were hoping Blackpool would be suffering from a cup hangover after capturing the LDV Vans Trophy for the second time in three years last weekend.

But a midweek victory at Bournemouth on the back of that cup success against Southend showed that Steve McMahon's side will be far from pushovers at Bloomfield Road.

"They will be on a high from the win at the weekend," said McIlroy.

"And that was a tremendous result for them at Bournemouth, who are a good side.

"But we've shown in recent games that we're not frightened of anyone and we'll be aiming to keep our run going."

County may still be in the relegation places, but four games without defeat, including three wins, have given them a real chance of surviving the drop.

"We're not looking too far ahead, we're just concentrating on Blackpool right now," added McIlroy.

"It looks like we've turned the corner, but it's going to be one tough game after another now and we have to be ready for them."

For Stockport striker Aaron Wilbraham, who has formed such an effective partnership with Jon Daly in recent games, the Blackpool game is a chance to compete with some old pals.

Old boys

"Blackpool have got a lot of former Stockport players, like Mike Flynn, Lee Jones, Simon Grayson and Tony Dinning and I wanted them to win the LDV Vans Trophy," said Wilbraham.

"It gave me the chance to text them all week to encourage them to go out and celebrate!"

Stockport have no new injury worries and McIlroy is likely to keep the same team that beat Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.

County have sold out their 1,000 allocation for a game originally designated all-ticket.

Blackpool have now opened another section for Stockport fans, who can pay on the gate tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Irish youngster Phil Riley will join County from Manchester City on Monday.

Riley, 17, who can play at left-back or central defence impressed McIlroy during a recent trial period at Edgeley Park, playing in a game against Irish champions Shelbourne at County's training ground in Timperley.

He will sign a contract that will keep him at County until the summer of 2005.

LAST SEASON: Blackpool 1 Stockport County 3

KEY OPPONENT: Mike Flynn - a County legend who won't want his former team to get the better of him.

PREDICTION: Blackpool 0 Stockport County 1

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