ANDY Preece has one wish when he picks up the papers on Sunday morning - to see a second division table with another team at the bottom.

And that is a distinct possibility, providing Bury get something from the trip to Brian Horton's Port Vale tomorrow.

Two successive league home wins has left the Shakers just a point behind Wigan Athletic, and closing in fast on Cambridge, Northampton and Wrexham.

Preece is desperate to overhaul them. "Getting off the bottom would be a massive psychological boost for us," he admitted.

"We've had a good run lately and we've got ourselves right back in with the other teams.

"Some people were writing us off a few weeks ago but on Saturday night, if things go our way at Vale, then we could be off the bottom and even up a couple of places.

"The players' belief and confidence has never wavered and we are confident we will get out of it."

The manager has the usual injury problems on his hands, this time in midfield. Jason Jarrett is struggling with an Achilles problem while Matt Murphy has a knee injury.

Both players will undergo fitness tests today. If they fail, it will almost certainly mean a league debut for promising youngster David Borley.

The 20-year-old put in a sparkling performance in the midweek LDV Vans Trophy game against Notts County and Preece has no doubts about throwing him in at the deep end tomorrow.

"If he does get a chance tomorrow he will be there on merit," said the Bury boss.

"He did excellently in midweek and his pass for the first goal was superb. He can see things that other players can't.

"When he got the ball in midfield he was the one that made us play and with Jason and Matt struggling I'd have no qualms about playing him."

Because of the huge injury list, the team once again almost picks itself, with Ian Lawson and Jon Newby continuing up front. Gareth Seddon is out, suffering from shingles.

The only real choice is in defence. Sam Collins and Danny Swailes are certain to play but Preece must choose between Michael Nelson and Steve Redmond in the sweeper role.

Whoever gets the nod will have a difficult task stopping on-fire Vale centre-forward Steve McPhee.

The 20-year-old, signed from Coventry during the summer to replace former crowd favourite Tony Naylor, has hit the back of the net six times so far this campaign.

"They are a good side," acknowledged Preece. "They are in a similar position to us in the way that they have had to pick up players on free transfers and they have got some good young young lads in."

Another of those is winger Ian Armstrong, released by Liverpool, who has been earning rave reviews for his skilful performances.

On the plus side, at least Marc Bridge-Wilkinson is out with a long-term hamstring injury. The midfielder seems to save some of his best performances for Bury and Andy Preece will be relieved he won't be on the pitch tomorrow.

Defenders Liam Burns and Phil Hardy are also struggling to be fit for tomorrow's game. Kick off is 3pm.