Stockport manager Jim Gannon has backed loan signings Ryan Lowe and Stephen Gleeson to give the Hatters extra firepower as they seek promotion.

Crewe midfielder Lowe could make his debut against Darlington on Saturday after joining on deadline day.

Wolves midfielder Gleeson is in his second spell on loan at the Hatters.

"They give us strength and quality going forward as the extra attacking options I felt we needed," Gannon told the Manchester Evening News.

Of the Quakers match, Gannon said: "Darlington and Hereford's form of late means we have a fantastic opportunity to close the gap on third place.

"We've still got MK Dons and Peterborough to play, too, so if we can win our next three or four games we will have earned the right to be in the top three."