SHAKERS boss Andy Preece is ready to fill the gap left by star striker Pawel Abbott in a bid to inspire a late promotion charge from the front.

The Polish Under 21 striker has returned to Preston after another successful loan spell, which breathed new life into Bury's top three ambition.

Despite lying in tenth position, they remain only four points off the automatic promotion spots and just one point from the play-off zone in a tense season climax.

And Preece admits that, though suffering from a series of niggling injuries, he is preparing himself for one final push to try and steady his young squad in the post-Pawel era and secure a return to Division Two.

With only six games left, he can no longer resist the chance to influence the game directly rather than shouting the odds from the touchline.

"It's obvious that it's getting to that point of the season," he said.

"It's something that has been on my mind for a while now. Pawel came in and gave us a boost but he's gone now and we'll have to see what our best option is.

"If I'm going to give myself a more active role, either by starting the games or by having a bigger role from the bench, then I'm going to do it soon. I'm not going to wait until the last few games when it might be too late.

"It's possible I might start this weekend but I won't decide until I've weighed up all our options. Whoever comes in will have to take up the mantle that Pawel left and be a leader for the rest of the team. We need strong characters who are prepared to go through the pain barrier for the team."

That could prove all too true for Preece, who still struggles to shake off a string of injuries to his knee, groin and back.

"But that's all part of being 36 years old and playing a lot of league games," he said defiantly.

"You've just got to put that to the back of your mind and make sure it doesn't restrict you."