BURY'S pre-season preparations have received a massive knock with the news that Danny Swailes will miss the big kick-off.

The dominant central defender has had a scan on a niggling thigh injury which has hampered him in training since returning from the summer break.

Unfortunately the prognosis was a torn knee muscle which is likely to keep him out of action for four weeks.

It's a real sickener for the player as well as manager Graham Barrow who was looking to lay the foundations of a solid defence before the season starts in earnest against Yeovil on August 7.

"It's a big blow to lose Danny so early in the season," said Barrow.

"He was one of the three lads we were looking to build our defence around.

"I suppose Jon Cartledge, Colin Woodthorpe or Brian Barry-Murphy could play left side of central defence if they had to.

"But it shows just how thin our squad is and every player should realise that they will almost certainly get at chance to show what they can do.

"We may even have to look around for another defender, I don't know yet. But then we could do with another couple of lads in midfield and up front."

But on the plus side, Wednesday night's creditable 0-0 draw with Premiership Manchester City saw Woodthorpe and Matt Barrass back playing in Bury shirts.

"Colin's signed a 12 month contract while Matty has a short-term, on-going deal due to the injuries he's suffered in the past.

"But he's a real value-for-money player and he's been a great servant to the club. I couldn't ask any more of him."

"Considering it was our first main game - we played Radcliffe after just 10 days training - we have benefited from all the hard work we did at Lytham last week.

"We missed two practice games and I was a bit worried throwing them into a game like this with so little preparation, but they came out of it well.

"We were well organised and if we play like that in our own division we should do okay.

"I was pleased with everyone and they are all going to get plenty of opportunity to make a contribution this year.

"If they are as motivated and keyed up as they were tonight we will be fine. Our final passing was poorish and we could have played the ball more to feet, but we've been concentrating on team shape and fitness, rather than finesse.

"One or two of the young lads have felt the pace of pre-season, but we'd warned them that it was going to be a step-up from the last couple of seasons under Andy Preece's regime and they've found it tougher, but they needed it and they'll be better players for it."

Tomorrow Paul Jewell brings his Wigan Athletic side to Gigg Lane for what is sure to be another stiff test.

The Latics only missed out on the First Division play-off places by two points last year and will be hoping to go one better in the coming campaign.

During the summer Jewell has brought in midfielder Per Frandsen from Bolton Wanderers, Torquay striker David Graham and Crewe Alexandra full-back David Wright.

All three made their debuts in the club's recent trip to Belgium, however one player who won't be in action tomorrow is former Shakers' favourite Jason Jarrett.

The Bury-born midfielder broke his leg in a friendly game at Leigh RMI earlier in the week and is expected to be out of action for around 14 weeks.

Kick-off at Gigg Lane is 3pm.