DEFENDER Paul Scott has signed a contract which will keep him at Bury until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old central defender, who has been with the Shakers on a non-contract basis since being released by Huddersfield last summer, agreed the deal ahead of Saturday's Coca Cola League Two clash with Scunthorpe.

Scott has made a big impression since arriving at the club a few weeks ago, initially on trial.

He said: "I'm delighted to sign for the club.

"Now I just want to settle down and stay in the first team for the rest of the season.

"Signing gives me that little bit of stability, and I can now relax and get on with things."

Scott will be in the Shakers' line up to face second-placed Scunthorpe Saturday, with manager Graham Barrow looking for a little more steel and determination from his side.

Barrow was unhappy with the way the Shakers let a two-goal lead slip in their 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury last Saturday, and is demanding an improvement.

"It's a lack of professionalism that's been costing us," he said.

"There are ways and means of winning matches and there was no way Shrewsbury should have pulled two goals back.

"I'm delighted that we are averaging two goals a game, and we want to continue playing good football, but the goals against column has to tighten up.

"We are a stronger and better team than last season and it's time our results began to show it.

"I honestly think there's a chance to do something with this side this season and the players should believe that too.

"I've not read the riot act, but I've had a word with one or two of the them individually.

"These things are tarnishing a good start to the season."

"When I arrived in pre-season I was never told I wasn't wanted it was just the case that the Gaffer couldn't sign any more players.

"Then I played a few reserve games and he told me he'd like to sort something out which, thankfully he has done.

"I'm really enjoying my football here, it's a good club to be at and I've been made really welcome.

"My aim is to help them do well and hopefully look at getting another deal.

"And the way the results have been going for us so far it looks as though we could be in for a good season."

Although Scott has formed a solid back three with skipper Dave Challinor and Danny Swailes, Barrow believes that with his ability and tenacity, he can also do a job further up the field.

"I'm really glad we've been able to do something with Paul, he's done great for us," said Barrow.

"I like his game, he's a consistent player and I can see him doing a good job in midfield as he likes a tackle.

"He's been first class since he arrived on trial and obviously his friendship with Dwayne (Mattis) has helped get him here, sometimes you hit upon players like this.

"It's a little bit of luck that has gone our way, he's been at other clubs but he didn't want to move away from the area and has fallen into our lap."