KEY defender Danny Swailes is set to hand Shakers a major blow by pulling out of Good Friday's vital derby clash with Rochdale.

The impressive centre half has been tipped for greatness after hitting a rich vein of form this season.

Alongside Michael Nelson, he was due to form the mainstay of the club's defence for the remainder of the promotion push.

But a knee injury picked up in the draw with Carlisle last week looks certain to rule him out of the trip to Spotland and possibly even the visit of promotion rivals Scunthorpe on Monday.

"Danny's got medial knee ligament damage and looks very doubtful," said dismayed manager Andy Preece.

"He's done really well for us this season, like all the back four have. So it would be a massive blow to lose him at this stage.

"Danny's one of our lads who could definitely play at a higher level. He's got all the ability and just needs to be a little more aggressive.

"He definitely would be good enough to play in the Second Division if we did get promoted and is a key player for us."

Meanwhile, the waiting game goes on for striker Ian Lawson and defender Matt Barrass as they continue in their quest to break back into first team during the run-in.

Barrass remains short of match fitness after a long comeback from knee surgery and will continue to prove himself in the reserves.

Lawson has been sent to Lilleshall in a bid to finally rid him of a succession of minor knocks, which have kept him sidelined for much of the campaign.

"Laws has been there all week to boost his confidence, as much as anything," said Preece.

"They are having a look at him to make sure everything's all right. He's been having a lot of niggling problems lately but hopefully they will give him a clean bill of health and he can get cracking again."