Jim Gannon has admitted facing a selection headache ahead of tonight's promotion-clash against high-flying Chesterfield.

Speaking to stockportcounty.com the County boss said: "Tonight's team selection has been the most difficult of all this current season.

"The performance against Accrington Stanley over two weeks ago is a distant memory and any individual performance in that game has long since been forgot. I am not a 'stickler' for running with a winning team. Players who earned their place in the team then, and perhaps felt worthy of staying in the team because of the result, may have been worked out of the team for a number of different reasons.

"During the last two weeks we have seen the return to fitness and form of Ashley Williams and Gareth Owen. Their return cannot be underestimated as they are the captains and natural leaders of the team.

"Furthermore, the training performance of a number of players has steadily built my confidence in them. Players out of the team determined to push hard to get back in, and young hungry players sensing the opportunity to develop and grab any opening that might materialise for them. Those openings in the first team will emerge if first team players drop their standards and don't maintain their drive, energy and enthusiasm to perform.

"If the players continue to remain fit and injury free we will have a very strong squad for the remainder of the season. This sense of strength in depth should be an encouraging factor and it is important that our players accept that this depth and quality is for the good of the team, the squad and the club."

Jamie Smith looks certain to miss this evening's game with an ankle injury. Dominic Blizzard is a doubt after feeling unwell last week.