DAVID Flitcroft is calling for focus from his players as Bury prepare to host local rivals Oldham on Saturday.

Although the Shakers took four points from their neighbours last season, they have not beaten the Latics at home in the league in 49 years.

That could be put right this weekend, with a little bit of self-control and emotional discipline, according to the Bury boss.

Flitcroft said: “You have got to have high levels of controlled aggression in any game, but I think in local derbies you have really got to have a heightened sense of staying on task and staying focused because you don't want your emotions running over the top.

“We have seen them twice this season, Futch (Ben Futcher, assistant manager) has seen them three times so we have got some good intel on Oldham, so we will design a gameplan to try and negate their strengths and try to pick out their weaknesses.”

Gigg Lane was buzzing during the opening-day victory against Charlton, and Flitcroft is well aware of how important a part the fans played in that result.

A bumper crowd expected this weekend and the manager is excited at the prospect of home crowd bonding with his new squad.

“If we can bring the town and the team together with the fans and get that connectivity then that's going to be massive in any game, not just a local derby,” he said.

“The fans and the connectivity that hopefully they'll get with this new group is something that I'm really looking forward to this season.

“We really want them to connect with this new group of players and really get behind them and so far they have done.”

Bury could be without new midfielder Neil Danns, who hobbled off early against Coventry on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old picked up knock on his left foot and is now wearing a protective boot, but it is unclear how serious the injury is.

“He's in a boot at the minute. He's gone over and we'll get a scan on it," said Flitcroft.

“He's a warrior and there's no way he's coming off if he can stay on the pitch and commit to it.

"He tried getting back on but as soon as he put weight on it he felt some real pain.”

Other absentees include Andrew Tutte, who continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, and striker Chris Brown, who is not yet match fit.

Meanwhile, Chris Brass will hold a forum with fans in the Gigg Lane Social Club after Saturday's match.

Bury's head of football will field questions from supporters for 20 minutes, starting at 5pm.