DEPOSED Bury captain Paul Reid is determined to win his place back after being dropped for the last three matches.

Reid has found himself out in the cold since missing the Cardiff City match a fortnight ago when the Shakers demolished the Welsh side 3-0.

In that game 18-year-old David Borley made a stunning debut and it is the teenager who is now keeping the senior pro on the sidelines.

Bury boss Andy Preece admitted it has been hard to drop his committed captain but says the Reid has accepted the decision in the right way and is working hard to get back in the first team.

He enhanced his claims yesterday, scoring the first goal in the reserves 2-1 win at Stockport. Matt Murphy got the second.

"Reidy was disappointed to be dropped but he has reacted well and has been one-hundred per cent behind the lads from the bench," said Preece.

"I've had a chat with him but he knows no one has a divine right to be in the team.

"He was a bit unfortunate really because he missed the Cardiff match and the lads played so well I couldn't really change things. It means he's been on the bench for the last few games but it could all change."

Borley shows no signs of a lapse in form.

He looks more than ready for a regular place in the first team, with his sensible play and good passing a feature of Bury's recent games.

His arrival in the team has also coincided with a sharp upturn in form. And even the manager is surprised at how well he has done.

"I didn't expect someone of his age to make such a big impression," added Preece. "He has come in and done very well and made it very difficult for me not to pick him.

"I've been asking the lads in the reserves to prove to me that they deserve to be picked for the first team and Borley has taken his chance with both hands."