LEE Unsworth is back for Shakers this week but his path to first team football could be blocked by a remarkable resurgence writes Chris Hall

Lee Connell's professional career could easily have drifted into the wilderness after injury and loss of form limited him to only 17 appearances in an inauspicious three years at Bury.

But manager Andy Preece always had faith that his right sided midfielder had the talent to make a name for himself at Gigg Lane.

And his recent inspired spell in the starting line-up has begun to repay that confidence, with Connell finding a new lease of life as an unshackled attacking wing back.

Particularly over the past three home fixtures, his movement and incisive passing has been behind much of Shakers' forward momentum, to the extent where Unsworth -- a first team regular -- may have to settle for a bench place at Darlington on Saturday after recovering from injury.

"It's great to suddenly have competition for places in that department and to have Lee playing well is fantastic," said a proud Preece. "He's done ever so well because he's been at the club for a long time, waiting for his chance.

"I've spoken to him a number of times since he's been here. He's always had the ability so to see him not fulfilling it has been really frustrating.

"Now it looks like the penny has finally dropped and, with his contract up at the end of the season, he has a great chance of getting a new one. He just has to stay consistent."

Preece may also return to the bench for the trip to the north east after shaking off a virus, with Chris Porter dropping out of the squad after picking up a dead leg following a goal in the reserves.

But the starting 11, who deserved so much more than four points from three impressive back-to-back home performances, look certain to remain intact.

"The lads have done great. I've been delighted with the way they've done," said Preece.

"When somethings not broke, you don't try and fix it. The only temptation is to bring in some fresh legs because it has been a tough run for the lads. But it's hard to change a winning side."