PRESTON striker Pawel Abbott is back in the Gigg Lane fold -- albeit for a fortnight writes Phil Thorp

The Polish under-21 international has sensationally returned to the Shakers to complete his three-month loan spell that ended in mid-October.

The talented Abbott -- a £125,000 signing from LKS Lodz in February 2001 -- was recalled to Deepdale two weeks short of his scheduled stay at Gigg Lane after North End boss Craig Brown suffered an injury crisis among his strikers.

But Bury boss Andy Preece reckons Abbott is just the man to rejuvenate his misfiring forwards as the club go into a run of three crucial home matches against fellow promotion chasers.

Abbott will be eligible for four league games for the Shakers, tonight's clash against second-placed Rushden & Diamonds, Saturday's home match against Lincoln City, next Tuesday's Oxford United game at Gigg and the following Saturday's game at Darlington.

And everyone involved with the Shakers will be hoping he can reproduce the form that made him a massive favourite with the Gigg Lane fans during his early season stay.

"It's a good move for us as it isn't going to cost us a lot of money," said Preece. "Pav will give us a big boost because we all know what he can do and I really felt a fresh face was needed.

"The four games he can play for us are vitally important and he will give us more options than we currently have."

Preece was told at a board meeting on Friday that financial constraints will not allow him to recruit fresh personnel in the closing stages of the season so the decision to secure Abbott's services for even a short spell is a bonus.

The striker returned from international duty with the Polish squad yesterday and is expected to play some part in tonight's match (kick-off 7.45pm).