TOWN'S battling youngsters are being backed for success by a man already hot on the promotion trail.

Tranmere manager Brian Little is urging Town to `stick with the kids' as they plan for Championship football within the next few seasons.

While Town suffered a fifth straight away defeat 3-0 at Prenton Park last night, Little was impressed with their fighting spirit.

"Long term, Huddersfield have a group of players who will stand them in good stead," said Little, one of the most respected managers outside the Premiership.

"Some of them looked very young to me, but credit to them because they made life very difficult for us with their enthusiasm and never-say-die efforts.

"I have said to Peter Jackson that I hope he sticks with the kids because they are energetic, athletic and they will get better.

"They gave us a good, hard game in the end which I was pleased to win and our experience just told at vital times when we matched them up.

"But Huddersfield's competitive spirit was fantastic and I told our lads at half time that they were going to have to work very hard, because those young lads in the visitors' changing room just weren't going to stop."

Jackson echoed that praise, picking out Michael Collins for his display, but couldn't hide his disappointment at the way Eugene Dadi, Iain Hume and Gareth Roberts netted to keep Tranmere in third place.

"We didn't compete in the first half, defending way too deep, and the score could have been a lot worse, but I was delighted with the character the young lads showed second half," he said.

"They went out against a very good side, one I think will win automatic promotion, and created plenty of real pressure when other sides might easily have caved in.

"I thought Michael Collins was our best player, excellent throughout."

Jackson restored Pawel Abbott and Danny Schofield to the starting line-up and will have Chris Brandon back from suspension for the home clash with Oldham on Saturday.

David Mirfin is under treatment for a hip injury.