By Pete Oliver

McIlroy is delighted with the way his players are performing

Morecambe manager Sammy McIlroy admits that the Shrimps are continuing to live the dream thanks to their Carling Cup heroics.

Morecambe are playing in the competition for the first time thanks to their promotion from the Conference last season.

That came via a play-off final win at Wembley and the euphoria has continued unabated after McIlroy's men followed up a win at neighbours Preston by knocking Wolves out of the cup at Molineux.

"I think everyone is still pinching themselves," McIlroy told BBC Sport.

"The town and the supporters are buzzing. The lads are enjoying it and you have to enjoy these moments.

"It's great for the boys. We have been to two magnificent stadiums at Preston and Wolves and put on a show.

The League has to be the important thing for us Sammy McIlroy

"It's been a great experience for the young lads to go to places like that and come through it and it's great for confidence."

As well as the money that will come their way if they can land a plum tie in Saturday's third round cup draw, the confidence factor gleaned from beating two Championship sides away from home could be key to Morecambe's hopes of prospering in League Two.

And McIlroy is in no doubt that is where his priorities must lie as he concentrated on focusing his players' minds on Saturday's trip to Notts County.

"It's been great and the boys have done marvellous. But we have to get our feet back on the ground quickly and it's back to work to prepare for Saturday. The League has to be the important thing for us," he said.

McIlroy guided Morecambe to play-off success last season

"We are getting a reputation and teams are trying to knock us off it, so we have to be aware of that."

Morecambe have made a solid start to their first League campaign with a draw, a defeat and a win in their opening three fixtures, although McIlroy is still reserving judgement.

He added: "There was a big hype around the first week with all the media and everything around.

"But now we are getting into it and getting the hang of things.

"But it's after 10 games I'll look at it and see how we've started. That's what we did last season and that's what I've always done."

McIlroy's belief in his squad is unwavering though, with the core of his promotion-winning side still in place, alongside a handful of new faces including Carl Baker, David Artell and Jon Newby, who have all scored during the current cup run.

"I always thought the majority of the players here could handle it," McIlroy said.

"We have just added a few people and we have got the League Two experience from Neil Sorvel and Danny Adams. The rest are a good age, so it's a nice blend."