A CHANCE phone call to Bury boss Graham Barrow looks like doing the Shakers - and Paul Scott - a massive favour.

The 24-year-old central defender, released by Huddersfield Town in the summer, was at a loose end after a spell at Nationwide Conference side Scarborough came to nought.

But after a chat with former teammate Dwayne Mattis, who made the trip to Gigg Lane from the Terriers in the close season, the Wakefield-born defender decided to give Barrow a call to see if he could do a job for him.

It proved to be a timely one as an injury to Danny Swailes and Colin Woodthorpe's suspension left the Shakers desperately short of central defensive cover and Barrow was more than happy to let Scott join the squad for training.

And he liked what he saw. So much so that Scott has been signed up on non-contract terms and made an impressive debut in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Chester City.

Due to Football League restrictions on clubs that have been in administration, the Shakers are limited to 20 full-time professionals.

But the early season injury crisis, which also took in Matt Barrass and Graeme Jones at the weekend, forced Barrow to ask for special dispensation to play Scott, which was granted.

Now Barrow would like to secure the player on a contract.

"Paul's been training with us for about three weeks and has done well in the reserve games he's played," he said.

"He's a good player and made 18 appearances for Huddersfield last season but lost his place after getting injured.

"Dwayne (Mattis) must have mentioned to him we were short of a central defender and he took the bull by the horns and rang me up.

"With Matty and Danny out injured he is a better option than Jon Cartledge at this moment in time and I thought he's done well for us.

"He was as good as anyone and better than most on Saturday and you can see what an intelligent player he is.

"He is consistent and I'm sure he could do a job further up the pitch in midfield, I'd certainly like to do something with him."

As for the man himself, he's just happy to be back playing in the Football League after the disappointment of being shown the door by Huddersfield.

"After being released I went to Scarborough for a couple of weeks but couldn't get fixed up because of the financial situation up there," he explained.

"I heard from Dwayne that Bury were short of cover at the back and decided to ring the manager up and he said he'd like a look at me.

"They are a great set of lads here and I've soon settled in as I already knew Dwayne and Jon Newby from Huddersfield.

"I just want to get playing games now and I'll take each one as it comes, but I'd love to join the club on a permanent basis."