JOE Riley has urged on-loan Charlton goalkeeper Nick Pope to follow his lead and ditch the Championship for a new life at Bury.

The former Bolton Wanderers right-back broke into the first team at the then Reebok aged just 19 but injury blighted his chances of nailing down a regular place.

And while the Boothstown-born defender was grateful to be given a chance at his boyhood club, Riley has warned Pope not to waste time waiting in the wings.

"It’s all about playing," he said.

"I had two or three years at Bolton where I was waiting for a chance but never got it. You can’t do that in your career.

"I think he (Pope) is at a place now where he is loved and wanted and that is a hard thing to find in football.

"It’s up to him but it is a decision he has got to think long and hard about."

Riley certainly has no regrets at swapping the Macron for the JD Stadium.

He has been on the losing side just once – at second-placed Burton – in his eight appearances, contributing to five clean sheets while helping his new side pick up 17 points from a possible 24.

The 23-year-old's arrival at the League Two club has also coincided with a move into Manchester City's former training base at Carrington, meaning he has not missed the home comforts of Bolton's Euxton complex.

"Carrington is miles better (than Euxton) to be honest with you," said Riley.

"It’s what, six months since the Premier League champions were training there?

"When I did meet the manager he said there was something big in the pipeline, but what has happened has exceeded my expectations.

"It just shows the desire of the football club to get a facility like that.

"We want to be champions as well (like Manchester City) – we want to achieve promotion and we have got to strive for the best."

Bury have moved from an outside bet to make the play-offs at the start of January, when Riley signed, up to fifth place in the table and just six points off top spot with 12 games of the season remaining.

They will be looking to extend their run of four straight victories and three consecutive clean sheets at home to another of Riley's former clubs Oxford today.

He made 24 appearances on loan at the League Two strugglers at the start of the campaign, and while there was an opportunity to sign permanently, when Bury came in with an offer there was no decision to make.

"There were discussions but when Bury have got the hopes and desires they have got it enticed me in straight away," said Riley.

"I only live 10 minutes away so it was a fairly easy decision.

"And I am thrilled I signed here to be honest with you.

"It has been really easy to settle in. The lads have made me feel really welcome. I think that is showing in performances, but there is still a long way to go for me yet.

"I think I can get a lot better as I am still finding my feet, but I am feeling really comfortable here."