I seem to recall that compression and delay are some of staple effects for country players (i could be wrong)

With regard to digital or analogue delay, you've really gotta go with your ears to find what works for you, some folk prefer the 'warmth' of analogue delay, some say it's too dark sounding, some of the newer digital delays promise analogue sounding warmth, some folk prefer the clarity of digital.

Many of the effects manufacturers have sound clips on there web sites, or you could try some out at your local guitar stores, good luck :)