BURY'S talismanic midfielder Andy Gray is all set for a return to action after his six-match suspension and the timing couldn't be better!

The last time the influential former England ace pulled on a Bury shirt was for the thrilling 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in early November and none of the six games played since have yielded a victory for the Shakers.

In that time the club have slid from a respectable fifteenth place to a third-from-bottom relegation spot but the re-appearance of 'Gray the Elder,' (not to be confused with the on-loan Leeds youngster of the same name) is sure to give Stan Ternent's men a real fillip.

"We hope Andy's return is timed to perfection for us as we enter the Christmas games," said Ternent.

"You always miss players when they are suspended but especially so when it's someone of his quality."

The Bury boss admitted he would be picking the brains of his recent £125,000 signing from the Blades, Mark Patterson prior to tomorrow's Gigg Lane clash.

His knowledge of his former teammates could be crucial as the Shakers bid to get back on the winning trail.

A clause in the transfer forbids the midfielder playing against his old club in this fixture but he will be available when the sides meet at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup third round on January 3.

Nigel Spackman's outfit are sitting pretty in third place in the First Division table and the Blades' boss has been busy in the transfer market recently.

He has snapped up Oxford United midfielder Bobby Ford and swooped for the experienced Dean Saunders from Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.

The free-scoring Welshman grabbed the winning goal in United's 2-1 home win over Swindon Town last Saturday.

Graham Stuart has also arrived at Bramall Lane from Everton in a deal that re-united Carl Tiler and Mitch Ward with former United chief Howard Kendall.

Ternent adds Gray to the squad that lost at Bradford last weekend and will check on the fitness of striker Peter Swan (bruised toe) before finalising plans.

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