SHAKERS travel to Carlisle tonight boosted by the return of 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."