JONATHAN Smith is enjoying life at Accrington Stanley -- but he wants to keep impressing the professional clubs.

Second division Oldham Athletic wanted the tall defender on trial but the Reds have a policy that their players don't go on trial -- club's should make a firm bid if they want them because it can unsettle the player and the club.

With the departure of Latics boss Andy Ritchie, Smith's chance of going to Boundary Park may be slim but he is flattered that League clubs are showing an interest in him.

"Obviously I am impressed," said the 24-year-old defender, who joined UniBond Premier side Stanley from Great Harwood a little more than two seasons ago.

"It is very flattering to think a club like Oldham have been watching me.

"You hear that scouts are watching sometimes and you never know if it is true but we have a lot of good young lads here, players I think are better than me, like Peter Cavanagh and Paul Howarth.

"And recently Brett Baxter went to Chester in the Conference.

"So it was nice to hear Oldham wanted to take me on trial, especially a second division side.

"With the manager going, I don't know if anything else will happen, it is up to them now.

"But I am on a contract at Accrington and I am happy here.

"We are a good side, we have been playing well. We have lost a few games, but I think that has been because of injuries. It is a good set-up here."

The addition of former league players Cavanagh, Howarth, Steve Flitcroft and Lutel James have helped Smith to understand what life could be like in professional football.

"You can see in the former professionals that have the desire to win. Winning is the be-all and end-all for them. They come in the dressing room and are gutted, they are really upset, when we lose and they are hyped up when we win.

"You see what football means to them."

Stanley are ambitious and Smith hopes he can help them to the Conference.

"We have played against teams like Burton who are top of the league and they were a good side. They are not a physical but a technical side.

"I think we will give them a good run for their money when they come to the Crown Ground.

"And it is good to test yourself against players like Des Walker and Chris Waddle who play in this league.

"First we want to make the Conference and then we want to go into the league. You never know what will happen."