Micky Mellon is determined to keep Oldham Athletic's focus on the National League, despite the FA Cup draw throwing up a return to his former club, Tranmere Rovers.

Latics' reward for a comfortable 4-2 win over Halifax Town in Saturday's fourth qualifying round was a trip to the Wirral club.

The first round tie has significance for a number of Latics players and staff, with several of Mellon's backroom team working with him at Prenton Park.

Of the players, James Norwood was a star of Tranmere's back-to-back promotions under Mellon in 2018 and 2019, as was defender Manny Monthe, while Otis Khan and Jake Caprice have also had spells with the League Two club.

But with three important league games to come between now and the first round on November, starting with away game at Sutton on Saturday and Maidenhead on Tuesday, FA Cup conversations are off limits.

"Now we've got to that first round proper it gets to that exciting stage, so I'm pleased about that," said manager Mellon.

"My responsibility as a manager is to try to give the supporters those days, so I'm pleased with the result (against Halifax Town) and delighted to be through.

"But in between now and the next round we've got loads of league games coming up, a lot of travelling, and I won't talk about it (the tie) until the time comes."

Mellon is looking forward to using the Tranmere tie as a barometer to gauge the progress made by his side this season.

"It would be great to go and see where we're up to," said the Scot.