BURY boss Andy Preece has been singing the praises of central defender Sam Collins while offering words of sympathy to another.

Collins was dropped at the expense of youngster Danny Swailes but an injury to Swailes allowed the big Yorkshireman back in the team.

And since Collins came back into the ranks he has been in the form of his life and a major reason for the Shakers recent upturn in fortune.

It's not just his solid defending which have impressed but his passing too, with David Beckham style 60 yard through balls fast becoming the norm.

''Sam has been playing really well lately,'' agreed Preece. ''He had a sticky spell when it seemed like every goal we conceded was something to do with him or he was involved in some way.

''We just felt Danny Swailes had been doing well and deserved a chance.

''As it happened Danny got injured, Sam has got back in and he's been superb and hasn't looked back.

''That's all you can ask of your players, for them to respond in that manner.''

Injury fight

However, while Collins is enjoying a new lease of life, Swailes is still battling to regain his fitness some three weeks after injuring his ankle against Peterborough.

''Danny has had another X-ray and there is definitely no break but it's just really badly bruised,'' revealed Preece.

''It's taking time to heal, longer than we thought, and we'll just have to see how he goes.

''We thought he'd be fit for the Port Vale match on Saturday but he wasn't ready. At least now he's got a full week to try and get him fit for the Swansea game.

''At the moment it's still very sore. He can run okay but as soon as he strikes a ball is it very painful.''

Meanwhile reserve team striker Lee Buggie has picked up a freak injury at his local gym and is out for a week.