WIGAN Athletic arrive at Gigg tomorrow sitting bottom of Division Two and that's just where Bury boss Andy Preece hopes to keep them - for another week at least!

Highly-fancied Latics and their new boss Paul Jewell have had a poor start to the campaign and currently boast just one point from their opening three league matches.

Add to that a disappointing early exit from the Worthington Cup at Blackpool and, clearly, the side from the JJB Stadium can't be brimming with confidence.

That's something that can also be levelled at the Shakers following their four-game losing stretch, but hard work on the training ground -- and a couple of good reserve team wins -- have given Preece plenty of pointers that his side will bounce back with a derby victory tomorrow afternoon.

"All the lads have done really well in training over the past couple of weeks and have taken on board what we've been telling them," he said.

"The attitude has been spot on and the spirit is good but, of course, the proof of the pudding is tomorrow afternoon and we must make sure we transfer that good work onto the pitch. "A local derby like this is a great way to come back after a break, and one or two players have forced themselves into the reckoning with good performances in the reserves."

One player who could be in line for a call-up is George Clegg who scored in last week's 1-0 victory over York City, but was, interestingly, left out of this week's 4-0 hammering of Scunthorpe.

"Cleggy didn't play because I wanted to have a look at Dave Borley in his position on Wednesday, but he's certainly one who is in with a chance of featuring," explained Preece.

"There are two or three players vying for positions and good reserve performances have put them in the frame.

"I know that whatever eleven I pick will go out and do a good job for us."

The only players who can definitely be ruled out through illness and injury are Lee Connell (ankle), Stevie Halford (glandular fever) and Marc Whiteman (broken nose).

There are no suspensions affecting tomorrow's game, but Lee Unsworth will be unavailable for the match at Wrexham on Tuesday as he serves a one-match ban.

Two more new faces crossed the Gigg Lane threshold this week. Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Twiss and young schemer Chris O'Brien from Liverpool joined the club on two-week trials.

Twiss was released by Port Vale during the summer after joining the Valiants from Old Trafford 12 months earlier, while central midfielder O'Brien arrives straight from the Anfield youth set-up.

"Chris has had a few injuries that have knocked him back, but earlier in his career he won international honours and captained the side," said Preece.

"We will have a look at him and Michael over the next couple of weeks, hopefully, in one or two reserve games."