LENNY Johnrose's second spell at Gigg Lane appears to be over.

The midfield ace, who enjoyed a golden period at Bury during the late '90s, returned to a hero's welcome last autumn after being released by Burnley and looked a major force in the heart of a resurgent Shakers team.

But a troublesome hamstring injury has kept him sidelined in recent weeks, while his wasted wage continues to burn a hole in the club's pockets.

Now manager Andy Preece admits he may have played his last game for Bury unless a generous fan digs deep to pay for his stay.

"Lenny is almost fit enough to play but we are struggling with him contract-wise," explained Preece.

"I have spoken to him and told him the news. We would love to keep him but we have to cut our costs.

"It would be superb if someone out there could pay his wages for us like a fan did at Huddersfield when they took Lee Ashcroft from Wigan on loan.

"His experience is important to us but I understand the directors' dilemma and as it stands he will be leaving."

Shakers travel to Carlisle tonight without the services of Johnrose but should welcome back tough-tackling midfielder Chris Billy for the crucial LDV Vans northern semi-final.

While victory would take them to just one step away from the showpiece final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the financial consequences would far outweigh the footballing benefits, with a television windfall of £100,000 expected for each of the northern area finalists.

But Preece believes Bury deserve to stage a televised game, regardless of tonight's result.

"A live television game could change everything. We might be able to keep hold of Lenny and the rest of our short term players for longer," he said.

"I think we deserve one, especially when you look at some of the Division Three teams who have been on so far. Why put on Rushden v Swansea when ourselves against Rushden would be a much more important game?

"Hopefully we will be on the next time a Division Three match is shown."