SELF-confessed father figure Andy Gray is urging his Bury team-mates to reach for the stars.

The Shakers' schemer, who talks as good a game as he plays, reckons that lifetime financial security waits just around the corner for some of the Gigg Lane gang.

"There is so much money around in football these days that one big move could mean players never having to work again once they leave football," he declared after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with QPR.

"I've been in the top division before and I know what it takes, the lads at Bury have a golden opportunity to secure their futures."

Gray talked openly about a dream move back to the Premiership, something that would upset the Shakers' fans who have taken the all-action former England international to their hearts.

"I am here to do my absolute best for Bury week in week out but I have to be honest," declared Gray. "I am a young 33-year-old and I'd love one last big pay day before I finish - for myself and for my family.

"I know my ability and that I could still do it at the top. I see myself as the another Paul McGrath. If I got another chance I know I wouldn't waste it."

Gray's powerful displays have earned him rave notices all over the country but he acknowledges that he had a dip in form over a three week period.

"When I came back into English football I think I had a phenomenal start," he reckoned. "I set the division on fire and took it by the scruff of the neck. I had a bit of a dip but now I feel I'm getting back to my best."

Gray feels that his Shakers' team-mates should all have the same desire as him to play in the Premiership and he says he will do anything he can to help them.

"I feel like a bit of a father figure," he laughed. "I have got two of my own and now I've got a few more." Despite his desire for the biggest of all domestic stages, Gray insists he is happy at Gigg Lane and maintains that the club in on the right track.

"They are a great set of lads here and there is fantastic character in the team," he stressed. "No heads will ever go down here no matter how we are playing. We will survive in this division."

He is looking forward to his trip to Portman Road tomorrow.

"We must go to Ipswich and bombard them," he argued. "They are not having too good a time of it. We must go there, deny them space, and put them under pressure. We know we are good enough to come back with something."

"We can take a lot out of the QPR game because we took their best shot and still finished the stronger side."

Bury could be forced to start against Ipswich with the eleven that finished against Rangers.

Peter Swan has a groin injury and Steve Morgan has a hamstring problem, both face late tests.

Adrian Randall and Ronnie Jepson both came through the reserves' 2-0 win over Chesterfield on Wednesday night and will be added to the squad. There will be no recall for Dean West following a slight reaction to a recent hernia operation.

The Shakers are bracing themselves for a possible move from Birmingham City for central defender Paul Butler. Trevor Francis, the Blues' boss, was reportedly struck with the central defender during City's 2-1 defeat at Gigg Lane last Saturday. He may not, however, be impressed with the seven figure fee that the Shakers would demand. They believe Butler is worth in the region of £2 million.

Stan Ternent has been looking at a variety of trialists over the past few weeks including two Italians, a Swede and a youngster called Brian McGinty (20) from Glasgow Rangers.

"There is nothing unusual in it, looking at players is something we do all the time," said Ternent.

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