CHRIS BILLY is in line for a recall to the Bury team for tomorrow's (Sat August 21) home game against Brentford - but the big news is that striker Paul Barnes is back in training as the Shakers look for a boost up front.

Billy came through a reserve game at Hull in midweek - his first outing for a month and stands by.

Goals proved hard to come by at Wrexham last Saturday as Bury went down 1-0, and free transfer signing Ian Lawson, a big hit with two goals in the first two games of the season, may be struggling for a recognised partner tomorrow.

Andy Preece has trained this week despite a toe injury that needed painkillers to enable him to play at Wrexham. He looks likely to play against Brentford and manager Neil Warnock said: "We don't know yet whether Andy will need painkillers again, but if he can avoid it he will - he hates injections!"

If Preece isn't risked it may be too soon for £65,000 buy Barnes. He's back in training at least a week ahead of schedule, but even a place in the squad for the Brentford game looks beyond him.

Manager Neil Warnock is likely to revert to the 4-4-2 formation that brought success against Gillingham and Notts County, but who he plays as his front two is anybody's guess.

If Preece doesn't make it, Warnock could switch Lutel James or Adrian Littlejohn from wing to central striker and bring in Kosovan flyer Kemajl Avdiu if he still wishes to use wingers on either flank.

Alternatively, last Saturday's 4-3-3 formation could be utilised again. Not as adventurous or attractive, but it would give the manager more options.

One thing Warnock will be guarding against tomorrow is retaliation. Warnock envisages a tough, physical battle and doesn't want any of his players picking up yellow or even red cards that would prove costly later on in the campaign.

"Brentford are very strong and physical and we are going to have to watch our boys. I want to avoid any retaliation," said Warnock.

"It will be a big test for us at the back. There will be some strong challenges and they are also very quick and agile up front."

The Bees danger man is Llyod Owusu, who hit 22 goals for them last season. One plus for Bury, though, is that Icelandic centre back Hermann Hreidarsson is suspended after being sent off in the 0-0 opener at Bristol Rovers.

Meanwhile, a decision will be made on Ghanaian national goalkeeper Simon Addo next week as Warnock continues his search for goalkeeping cover. Addo has been on trial with the Shakers and Warnock says: "He's the best we've had so far."

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