BURY manager Graham Barrow is hoping a virus will not damage his side's hopes of victory at Cheltenham this Saturday.

Several Shakers players have been struggling with illness this week, with midfielder Brian Barry-Murphy forced to miss training on Monday.

Defender Danny Swailes and midfielder Dave Flitcroft have missed games due to tonsilitis in recent weeks.

And although both are fit again, Barrow is keen to ensure that no more players are struck down.

The Bury manager said that several players were struggling during last Saturday's 0-0 draw at Mansfield.

He said: "You could see that some of the lads were struggling on Saturday.

"It made a difference when Dave Flitcroft, Simon Whaley and Jon Newby came on and gave us some fresh legs.

"If we'd had stronger legs attacking-wise we may have won it, but it's a horrible feeling when you feel ok, then get out onto the field to discover you aren't right.

"The players worked really hard for that point, and it was a good result under the circumstances.

"Those players who had been ill wanted to stay on, which is credit to them.

"I've been at clubs where one or two players would have shirked playing under those circumstances, and it shows you just what a good mood we have in the camp.

"The lads who came on for us showed great attitude too. I've seen players come off the bench and not offer anything, but that wasn't the case on Saturday.

"It was great to see out the month unbeaten and if we continue like that, we'll be in a good position at the turn of the year, which is what we are aiming for.