BURY player-boss Andy Preece this week fired himself into contention for a starting berth - at his home town club Blackpool writes Phil Thorp

The boss scored two goals in the reserves midweek 2-1 Avon Assurance Cup tie at Lincoln City and should he recall himself to the side it will be his first start this season.

Preece would not be drawn as to what his striking line-up will be but with goals something of a luxury in recent weeks he may shuffle the pack again after recalling Ian Lawson to first team duty last weekend.

"I've managed to get two 90 minute games in this week so I'm feeling sharper," he said.

"Obviously, scoring a couple on Wednesday puts me back in the frame but we'll have to have a look at all the options."

Once again midfield is a big headache for the Bury boss despite Martyn Forrest (foot) and Paul Reid (hernia) both getting runs out in the reserves.

The two midfielders who limped off against Tranmere last Saturday Jason Jarrett (hip) and David Borley (groin) both still have problems and will also be given as much time as possible to recover.

There was further bad news for the beleaguered Bury boss after the powers-that-be at the Football Association threw out Steve Redmond's red card appeal following the Queens Park Rangers match.

Seasiders' boss Steve McMahon has selection problems of his own and will be missing winger Martin Bullock and full-back Tommy Jaszczun through suspension.

Defender Brian Reid is likely to be out after breaking his nose in the 3-0 defeat at Reading last weekend and that means former Bolton, Oldham and Everton utility man Ian Marshall could be moved into the back four.

Also in the frame is Welsh Under-21 international skipper Rhys Day who is on loan from Manchester City.

All at Gigg Lane were convinced that Redmond had played the ball in the challenge on Rangers' French striker Doudou that saw him sent off but referee Steve Tomlin refused to look at the video after the game unless the FA asked him to review his decision.

However, after appealing to the FA the authorities have responded saying: "The nominees of the Chief Executive have considered this application and are not satisfied that the claim warrants further investigation. Accordingly the appeal fails and Stephen Redmond commences his automatic three match ban with affect from January 26."

"I don't want to even comment on that!" said a bitterly disappointed Preece who will have to switch his central defensive combination tomorrow.

"It's a massive blow to lose Steve for tomorrow's game."

The manager is clearly looking forward to the seaside clash and still has fond memories of his time at Bloomfield Road.

"It's been well documented that my spell at Blackpool was one of my most enjoyable times in football," he declared.

"I didn't want to leave at the time but all that will go out of the window when the game starts.

"We desperately need the points, it's vitally important for us.

"It's a similar situation to when we played them before Christmas, if either team wins they pull further away from danger.

"We need the points to haul ourselves out and that would drag Blackpool further into trouble."