DARREN Bullock's injury plagued season has taken another twist after Bury's hardman midfielder suffered a back injury in a midweek reserve match.

Bullock was hoping to make his comeback in tomorrow's tough clash at high-flying Walsall but that now hangs in the balance.

Half an hour into Wednesday night's second string clash against Tranmere, Bullock suffered the injury in a challenge and had to be carried from the pitch.

"It was painful for him at the time but we're hoping that he will be okay for Walsall," said assistant boss Steve Redmond.

Bullock is desperate to get back in the first team after a nightmare season. He hasn't played since October 6 when Bury beat Bristol Rovers 1-0 and had been in startling form, scoring goals freely and being linked with a move to First Division Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, the Shakers are anything but scared by the prospect of the Walsall clash.

They reckon all the pressure will be on their high-flying opponents, who need to win to stay in the top two and keep alive their chances of automatic promotion.

"We will be going there with nothing to lose because Walsall are expected to win," agreed Redmond. "We beat them at our place 2-0 and totally outplayed them. The players remember that so we aren't scared."

Redmond confirmed that the mystery Danish striker on trial at Gigg Lane would stay another week because "he hasn't really had a chance to impress" due to the poor weather and bad pitches.

However, an attempt by Andy Preece to bring another striker, Colin Cramb, to Gigg Lane looks to be doomed.

The prolific Crewe striker is looking for a new club after a training ground bust-up with teammate Lee Bell, which led to Alex chief Dario Gradi putting the fiery Scot on the transfer list.

Preece made an approach but the financial situation at Gigg meant that the Shakers were looking at a loan deal for Cramb while Gradi is keen to offload him in a permanent one.

And now the 25-year-old striker is favourite to head back to his native Scotland, with Premier Division Hibernian leading the chase.

One boost for the Shakers ahead of tomorrow's clash is the news that Walsall dangerman, striker Darren Byfield, is suspended while influential skipper Tom Bennett is doubtful with knee ligament damage.