GARETH Seddon is finally ready to make his long-awaited comeback as Bury bid to topple league leaders Hartlepool United at Gigg Lane on Saturday writes Chris Hall

The young striker, who has not featured in a Shakers shirt since the 2-1 defeat at Peterborough in April, finished joint top of the Gigg Lane scoring charts last season before falling to injury.

A mystery back complaint in the close season was finally traced back to a blood disorder and most recently his hamstring has come under close scrutiny.

But now, with a string of reserve appearances under his belt, Seddon could become a strong addition to the Bury bench.

"Gareth scored two goals in the reserves on Wednesday and got through the majority of the game," said manager Andy Preece.

"He did just feel his hamstring a little and we will have to see how that comes along but he could come back into the squad."

Seddon's return would give Shakers plenty of firepower with which to gun down the Division Three high fliers, with Preece and teenage ace David Nugent also keeping the bench warm.

But Preece does not intend to make any changes to his tried and tested front line just yet.

"It's great to have more options to choose from up front but with Jon Newby and Pawel Abbott doing well for us so far, it's really more of a battle for the bench," he said.

The only likely changes to the side which flopped to a 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night are in defence and midfield, with the returning Matt Barrass and George Clegg possible replacements for Lee Unsworth and Chris Billy.