BURY striker Tom Pope says the Shakers are “ready for the next level” as they prepare for the top-of-the-table clash with leaders Scunthorpe on Saturday.

The high-flying Shakers are second in the table following five straight victories in League One, including wins against Chesterfield and MK Dons in the past week, and will leapfrog the Iron into top spot if they continue that run at the weekend.

David Flitcroft's men, who were tipped as second favourites for relegation by some bookmakers at the beginning of the season, have gelled quickly, with signings like James Vaughan and Zeli Ismail at the heart of their fine form.

Pope has also played a huge part in the early-season success, scoring five goals in 12 appearances, and thinks the club is heading in only one direction.

“The fans are on the journey with us,” Pope said. “I know my football and I know over the past 20 or 30 years Bury have had a lot of ups and downs but I think with the chairman we have got, the manager, his staff and this group of players we are ready for the next level.

“We have had a lot of injuries recently but we have had players come in and got hold of the shirt and kept it so I don't see why this can't be a very successful season.”

Pope has enjoyed a prolific spell in front of goal and is the Shakers' joint top goalscorer alongside Vaughan.

However, personal accolades are not on the mind of the 31-year-old forward and he says he has learned from past experiences that goals are not the only way he can be useful as a front man.

“Some strikers are different, they thrive off goals but my game is different,” Pope said. “It's more than just goals. Getting on the ball, bringing midfielders into the game, giving your defenders an outlet and trying to give them a breather.

“I remember the first year at Rotherham I scored six goals and (Adam) Le Fondre scored 34 and I was getting heckled, but I was taking the hits and Alfie was the one wanting to play up front with me.

“I think some fans appreciate it and some don't, some look too much into stats but the win's all that matters to me – as long as we continue to do that I'll be happy.”

Meanwhile, young forwards George Miller and Rob Bourne have been loaned out to non-league sides Witton Albion and Mossley on one-month deals.