RANK outsiders Bury have nothing to fear as they prepare to do battle with Premiership neighbours Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium writes Phil Thorp

Who says so? None other than Shakers boss Andy Preece who believes some of his players are destined for the top flight themselves.

The Worthington Cup second round tie has been eagerly awaited by Bury fans and is rich reward for the superb 1-0 Gigg Lane victory against First Division Stoke City in the opening round.

Nevertheless, at the back of their minds will be the 4-0 mauling the Shakers received on their only other visit to the Wanderers magnificent home.

It was a result that was turned around later in the season when the Shakers edged a televised match 2-1 at Gigg Lane but that result failed to halt their disastrous drop into Division Two.

Fortunes

Since that game both clubs' fortunes couldn't have been more different with Sam Allardyce's side firmly establishing themselve in the Premiership while Preece's men were lucky to see last season after a nailbiting financial crisis.

But all that's behind the Gigg Lane men now and the forward-looking Shakers are now on the up and brimming with confidence.

Following Saturday's 2-2 draw at Wrexham they lie just five points behind Division Three leaders Hartlepool and are playing a brand of attractive football not seen at Gigg for many a long year.

And it's those positive points that Preece reckons can be a catalyst for a second giant-killing act.

"We have nothing to lose and if we go there with the right attitude you never know what might happen," he said.

"There's always a chance in the cup, it might only be a small one but it's a chance nevertheless."

With Allardyce expected to play some fringe players and squad members coming back from injury the Shakers have had both Wanderers' reserves and first team watched in recent days.

But whatever eleven takes to the field for the Trotters Preece is under no illusions that it will be a stiff test for his young charges.

"Whoever plays for them on the night will make it tough for us but we have nothing to lose and they have," he said.

"Obviously we must keep it tight early on or we could be finished before we start with the quality strikers they have but I am confident we will create chances against whichever team Sam puts out.

"I don't think there is a great deal of difference in Bolton's first and second teams, they have so many top performers.

"But we have a lot of talented young players ourselves who can go on to play in the Premiership and they should relish the chance to play against such opposition."

Preece has few injury problems ahead of tomorrow's game with only Gareth Seddon (calf) a doubt from Saturday's squad.

David Borley is still struggling with a chest infection while Jamie Stuart will be added to the squad after missing the trip to Wrexham following the birth of his baby daughter Tilly on Saturday morning.

To get in the Premiership mood Bury took a squad over to Leeds United on Monday in a game arranged to give several fringe players a run out.

Liam George and Ian Lawson were on target for the Shakers who went down 3-2 to a strong Leeds side that included David Batty, Seth Johnson and Michael Duberry.

"It just shows what you can do if you go into games with the right attitude," added Preece.

"Like the Bolton match it was good for our young players to pitch themselves against top line performers as they get an idea of what is required to play in the top flight.

"I firmly believe some of our players have what it takes to play at that level and hopefully after tomorrow night they will too.

"All the lads are looking forward to it, the Reebok is a great place to play, it's a local derby and if we could get through it would be magnificent."

Kick-off at the Reebok is 8pm and prices have been pegged at £10 and £5 concessions. Supporters can pay on the night.