BURY have been hit with a worrying spate of injuries as they prepare for tomorrow's AXA-sponsored FA Cup second round clash against Cardiff City at Gigg Lane.

And the untimely knocks received by established stars couldn't have come at a worse time as the cash-strapped Shakers embark on the toughest week of the season so far.

After tomorrow's vital cup game, unbeaten league leaders Wigan Athletic make the short trip to Gigg on Tuesday evening followed by second placed Preston North End on Saturday.

It all adds up to a crucial week for the Shakers who desperately need to embark on a lucrative cup run to ease the crippling cash crisis that hangs over the club.

And if ever the ultra-critical Shakers fans needed to put their grievances behind them and give their 100 per cent support to the eleven players on the pitch the time is now.

Most doubtful for tomorrow is ever-present midfielder Paul Reid who picked up a hamstring pull at Oxford United last Saturday.

Rated slightly better are Lutel James and Steve Redmond who both have groin strains and are hoping to do some light training today.

Of the two James is most likely to figure while leading scorer Ian Lawson (knee) is another worry but is expected to be okay for tomorrow.

"Everyone knows just how important tomorrow's game is to us," said Warnock.

"We need a run in the cup like never before with the current financial situation at the club.

"It was a wide open game when we played Cardiff a few weeks ago and although we won 3-2 it really could have finished 6-5 to them.

"It'll be tough and we really need everybody fit, but we'll be playing an attacking line-up again and will go for it."

Warnock is to bring Danny Swailes into the squad after another impressive performance in the reserves at Wigan on Wednesday.

The Latics put out a strong side and won 2-1 but central defender Swailes, who Warnock prefers to utilise in a midfield role, showed up well and was taken off 25 minutes from time to ensure he'd be fit for the weekend.

"Danny's progressing really well and I can see a definite improvement in him over the past twelve months," said Warnock.

Bluebirds boss Frank Burrows isn't without his own selection problems. Definitely missing are on-loan Manchester City defender Tony Vaughan, midweek signing from Leyton Orient Josh Low and, more importantly, big striker Kevin Nugent, scorer of both City's goals at Gigg last month who is rated extremely doubtful with a knee injury.

City are expected to bring 1,500 fans to the game which kicks off at 3pm.

The draw for the FA Cup third round will be shown at 3pm, Sunday, live on ITV.

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