GED Brannan has Accrington Stanley to thank for re-invigorating his football career - and he aims to pay them back by helping them win the Nationwide Conference title.

The Reds couldn't have dreamt of a better start to the season as they sit pretty, joint top of the table with a two game winning start and a huge away victory over title rivals Morecambe under their belts.

Boss John Coleman has been singing Brannan's praises after he played a big part in the two wins but the midfielder says he owes the club a lot for helping him recover his enthusiasm for the game.

"Ged is like a new signing for me," said the boss. "He has been an inspiration since he came back in the summer and it has rubbed off on the other lads."

Brannan, 32, admitted: "A few years ago when I was at Wigan and not getting in the team, I lost my interest in football and didn't want to play. I came here and didn't know what to expect and picked up a few niggling injuries.

"But during the summer I have worked on my fitness and re-found my enthusiasm for the game. I am injury-free and full of confidence and am enjoying playing alongside Steve (Jagielka) and Ian (Craney) - we seem to be on the same wave length and work for each other."

And the highlight has been Tuesday night's 2-1 victory over Morecambe - following Saturday's opening 3-1 win over Burton - where Craney scored a 25-yard stunner and Robbie Williams headed home his first goal in 18 months.

"I was jealous of Ian's goal! I would just be happy with a deflection or anything," said Brannan who has scored one Stanley goal since he joined in November 2003. "It was unbelievable how well we played against them though. They are one of the title favourites and in the first half we played them off the park. We said after the game that if we can beat Morecambe at their place, then we can beat anyone now. We have got to believe in ourselves and know that we can win the league - and I think we can."

Goal hero Ian Craney echoed these sentiments: "The lads were unbelievable against Morecambe. We were too good for them, we frustrated them and we have done superbly well and showed that we are up there.

"It we play like that every week, then we have got to be contenders for the league title. It is a good feeling at the moment and we just have to keep it going and work harder and go to Stevenage on Saturday and try and get three points.

"When you are winning you can run that extra yard and feel sharper and hopefully it will continue."

But the boss won't let anyone get too carried away and is keen to keep everyone's feet on the ground - but knows former Altrincham player Craney, who cost £15,000, is already a crowd favourite.

"If he carries on scoring goals like that, it won't be long before Football League clubs are trying to take him off us. He is capable of scoring goals like that and that is why we signed him."

It's a big trip to Stevenage on Saturday, who are one of the early title favourites, but have lost their two opening games.

"They have been decimated by injuries. It doesn't matter what kind of start they have had - it is still a hard place to go. But we are on a high and just want the next games to come as quickly as possible," said Coleman.

"The lads have now set the standards, and they have now got to live up to those expectations. Not many people will go to Morecambe and win but saying that, we have a lot of hard games to come and you can't get carried away with two wins.

"But we have an away win and to get off the mark at the first attempt is pleasing," said Coleman whose side only won two league games on their travels all last season. "Stevenage is a massive game for us but we go there with the confidence of six points."

Winger Rory Prendergast comes into the squad after a two-game suspension - although Coleman has stuck with the same 11 in the two games so far and it would be hard to change it after their winning start.

"Rory does add a different facet to our game but what we have got to remember is that there is a good team spirit here, everyone is there for each other whether they are playing or not. Those who aren't playing will get their chance. It is healthy competition for places."

But some bad news is that midfielder Andy Procter could be out for longer than expected. After tearing his knee ligaments in pre-season it was thought he would be out for a month although he has had a scan and fears it could be longer.

"I am gutted," admitted the midfielder. "It is so hard watching the lads train but I will just have to wait and see."

"He is only a young lad and hopefully a quick healer so I am hoping he won't be out so long," said Coleman.

Meanwhile defender Jonathan Smith, on loan at Barrow, was their man of the match on Tuesday night in their 2-0 loss to Southport in the Conference North.