DANNY Wilson believes Paul Ince will learn everything he needs to know about football management after taking over at Macclesfield.

Wilson's Hartlepool United go to the Moss Rose today to face Ince's new charges.

The former England midfielder moved into management last month, taking over a side rooted at the foot of the basement division who attract sub-2000 crowds.

And Wilson, who started out in the dug out at Barnsley in 1994, admitted: "You have to tip your hat off to him, you have to commend him for doing it. He's played at the top of the game just about all his career and it's a big drop.

"Some players go straight from playing into a job higher up the leagues, but he's gone right in at the bottom.

"Maybe there's no better place for him right now to cut his managerial teeth than there.

"It's going to be tough and it's a big task ahead, but that's how you learn and that's how you get to know if you are capable.

"He's got Ray Mathias in alongside him and that's a good move, a great appointment. He knows all about the lower divisions and he is knowledgeable of players in that area. I'm sure he will be invaluable.''

After a draw with Walsall, the Silkmen travelled to the Bescot Stadium for the replay, with all expecting a straightforward home win for the League Two leaders.

But Ince's side upset the form book with a single-goal triumph, and Wilson said: "When you are bottom of the league, teams do sometimes go into games expecting to beat you, thinking it will be easy.

"It won't be. Look at what they did to Walsall.

"Macclesfield, and we've watched them on a few occasions, have been unlucky at times. Last week they had a keeper and defender collide, they both broke a leg, and Stockport scored when the ball ran loose.

"That's the sort of thing which is going against them at the moment, but we can't worry too much about it. We go there with one aim.

"Our priority is to be in the hat for the draw on Sunday afternoon.

"They have home advantage. That will make it difficult and they have nothing to lose. People will look at it and expect us to go there and get a result.''

Wilson is without five players for various reasons today, while Macclesfield have lost four players with long-term injuries this week.

"We are both in the same boat this weekend - they've got problems, we've got problems in terms of players missing,'' he said. "We've got suspensions and two players who are ineligible, as well as injuries. They've got players with broken legs and ligament damage, so we are both suffering. It gives a few players a chance.

"You might say it's going to come down to what the managers can get out of what they have available. You feel for them with the horrendous bad luck they have had in the last week.

"But sentiment ends on Saturday, we just want to get through. It will be tough. People thought we would be playing Walsall, they were expected to beat Macclesfield in the replay.

"So we have to be mindful of that and be mindful of what happened. There will be no complacency whatsoever.

"They have picked up of late, there is no doubt about it. Losing some of their regular players will be a blow but it gives other players a chance to impress the manager.

"Maybe they will be working harder than ever to impress and show they deserve a place.''

While Wilson's midfield and forwards will be changed around, the backline remains the same.

Darren Williams is both suspended and injured, so Micky Barron, impressive in the win over Wycombe last Saturday, stays at right back.

Pools have gone two games without conceding a goal, giving away only two in their last four outings.

"The defence is looking settled and you can see the understanding they have got right now,'' said Wilson.

"Not many of the top teams - at whatever level, in whatever division - change their back line week in, week out.

"You want some stability in there and you want consistency in terms of selection and performances.

"We've some other areas of the pitch which have been a bit hit and miss, but the defence is settled.

"Last week the two central defenders took the plaudits. But the back line and Dimi all played very, very well.

"Micky Barron and Ritchie Humphreys were there as well and the full backs offered tremendous support.''