Ones to watch - Conference

By Pete Oliver

The growing number of full-time teams in the Conference means standards are rising even higher in the fifth tier of English football.

Players dropping out of the League have always found teams at this level - the difference is they are better now than they were before.

The knock-on effect benefits youngsters just starting out, as well providing the more experienced with a greater challenge.

BBC Sport spotlights six players who could have a telling impact over the coming season.

NIKKI BULL (Aldershot)

Keepers go professional

With Matt Baker leaving Hereford to join Wrexham and Matt Duke going from Burton to Hull, the title of top Conference keeper is up for grabs.

Aldershot's Nikki Bull, 22, may be the man to grasp the mantle if he continues his impressive progress this season.

The former QPR trainee had a mid-season fall-out with Shots boss Terry Brown last term before returning to help his club reach the play-off final.

And he will be the backbone of the Shots' push for promotion this season.

DANNY CARLTON (Morecambe)

Carlton pens new deal

Morecambe boss Jimmy Harvey has nurtured a crop of talented young players at Christie Park and Danny Carlton could prove to be the pick.

A debutant in the Conference at 18, the striker was given his first extended run in the first-team last season and responded with 17 goals.

Now 20, Carlton, who recently signed long-term contract with the Shrimps, is tipped to go a long way in the game.

Quick, and with an eye for goal, a career at a higher level surely awaits.

RYAN GREEN (Hereford)

Green is a former captain of the Wales Under-21 side

Wales' youngest ever international at the age of 17, Ryan Green is fast coming back to prominence at Hereford.

The pacy right-back started out at Wolves and also played for Millwall and Sheffield Wednesday before being snapped up by the Bulls a year ago.

Still only 23, Green barely missed a game last season as he helped his side to within a whisker of promotion.

Effective in defence and when breaking forward, the defender will be a key figure as Town look to go up this time.

ANDY DUCROS (Burton Albion)

Ducros started his career at Coventry City

Burton's Andy Ducros has flattered to deceive in the past, but at least one good judge in Conference management rates him extremely highly.

Kidderminster paid £100,000 for Ducros, an attacking midfielder blessed with a wonderful touch and vision, just four years ago.

The 26-year-old, who started his career at Coventry, needs to find consistency if he is to do his talent justice.

If he can, then Ducros could again make people sit up and take notice.

KEITH GILROY (Scarborough)

Chester's loss could be Scarborough's gain this season after a possible summer move to the Deva Stadium fell through for Boro winger Keith Gilroy.

Gilroy agrees new deal

Fitness doubts scuppered a deal for the ex-Middlesbrough wideman, 21, who was sidelined by a foot injury last season.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has played only 17 senior games in his whole career.

If he can stay fit, his mesmeric skills and ability to create and take chances should light up the Conference.

PAUL ROBINSON (York City)

Robinson signs for York

Paul Robinson's career so far has been a tale of unfulfilled talent, and the former Newcastle and Wimbledon striker cannot have too many chances left.

However, the 25-year-old will get a run of first-team games at Bootham Crescent where his goalscoring potential should have the chance to flourish.

Robinson has cost a total of £1.75m in transfer fees and played in both the Premiership and SPL.

Now it is time for him to deliver and help York bounce back into the League.