INTERIM head coach Selim Benachour says he has had sleepless nights in his pursuit of engineering success for Oldham Athletic, and has vowed to bring change.

The 40-year-old has stepped up from his role in the club's Academy following the departure of Keith Curle in the aftermath of Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat at Northampton Town.

Benachour, a former midfielder who came through the youth ranks to start his career at Paris Saint Germain, took training with Academy colleague Conor Marlin for the first time on Thursday in preparation for this afternoon's game at Salford City (kick-off 3pm).

And he insists the players have been working hard in preparation for a crucial derby clash.

"When you change coach everybody raises everything. It's a new page. Everybody has worked with desire and commitment," said Paris-born Benachour.

"It was a tough 24 hours (from Wednesday) but I am here to help the club.

"I think the players are concerned about the situation, we are in a tough situation but I'm here to help the team and the club.

"We need to have a positive result. We don't have the consistency to win two, three, four games in a row. We need to change. It will take time but I have faith in my group. I have some idea how we will change it and I think it will be positive."

Benachour, speaking to the club in his first interview since taking charge, added: "We have a lot of work, I will not sleep, but I like a challenge and I try to do my best to improve this team and this club.

"When I coach I want the best for my players. I try to improve them, to give them faith, to be behind them. I'm passionate.

"It's on me. I want the be best for my players and I feel proud when I see what we've done in training in the games. How we play, our style of play, our counter-press.

"We have good players, we have quality players.

"We are not in the position we need to be and I am here with Conor to change it, to give them confidence, to change the mindset of what was before. We raise everything and I think with time we will succeed.

"We need to play to our strengths."

And Benachour, who has seen the likes of his Academy stars Harry Vaughan, Benny Couto and Junior Luamba, among others, make the breakthrough into the first team this year said he would make first team decisions on merit, regardless of their age or experience.

"If a player of 17 performs he will play," he said.

"I will go for the right players, the players who have desire, the players who show me in training (they deserve it).

"They are doing well and knocking on the door. They know my way of playing so they have an advantage.

"I will count on everybody.

"I have a full squad almost, just (Danny) Rogers is still injured, so that's good for me. I have a choice for picking the best players."