BURY will not comment on Blackpool's continued interest in striker Jon Newby.

The Gigg Lane hit-man became a target for the Seasiders after they banked £1.75m following the sale of Brett Ormerod to Southampton.

Blackpool boss Steve McMahon said: "The Newby deal is not dead as far as I'm concerned."

That, however, drew no response from Bury manager Andy Preece who concentrated on tomorrow's six-pointer with Notts County

Both sides are struggling to string together a good set of results with County not having won in the league since the end of September and the Shakers go into the game on the back of two successive defeats.

This is a fact not lost on manager Andy Preece: "It's a crucial game with the Christmas period approaching and we are hoping for a win that will open up a gap between us and the bottom clubs.

"It's a big game and we've told the lads of it's importance and they will be well prepared. We know what they're all about and we hope to put up a good performance," he added.

Preece has several injury worries as he approaches the game with Paddy Kenny and Danny Swailes suspended and joining the injured Matt Barrass, Paul Reid, Martyn Forrest and Baichung Bhutia as frustrated spectators.

Matt Murphy is struggling and with Harpal Singh returning to Leeds and George Syros exiting to Greece, Bury are down to the bare bones.

This is particularly true in midfield and trialist Abdou Tangara has been sacrificed to open the way for a new midfield signing.

"We have decided not to sign Tangara. With the current crisis we have in midfield, any money we spend will have to be spent on strengthening that area," said Preece.

County themselves aren't without their problems. Mark Stallard is injured along with Marcel Cas, on-loan Bolton defender Leam Richardson and Arsenal loanee Liam Chilvers.

They will rely heavily on the striking power of 16-goal ex-Manchester City striker Danny Allsopp. The big Australian has been a revelation for County this season and looks certain to be partnered by 19 year-old Paul Heffernan, who scored his debut goal against Wigan on Tuesday, in the absence of Stallard.

Heffernan has sprung to prominence after Stallard's injury and the poor form of big summer signing from Leeds, Tony Hackworth. Heffernan has bagged 14 goals for County reserves this term and comes with a sound pedigree.

County were unlucky at Wigan. They bombarded their opponents goal in the second -half but couldn't find the net and came away disappointed with a 1-1 draw.

County haven't won in 12 league games but did beat Bury 3-2 when the two teams met in the LDV Vans Trophy at the back end of October.