ELEVEN-to-one outsiders Bury hope to make the bookies eat their hats when they take on Premiership aristocrats Fulham in the Worthington Cup third round tomorrow night.

Harrods owner Muhammed Al-Fayed's side are odds on favourites to end the Shakers interest in the competition but that won't bother Andy Preece and his charges.

The Shakers have already disposed of one team of top flight performers in Bolton Wanderers and are in a rich vein of form that has seen them go six games without defeat.

Saturday's 2-1 victory at Leyton Orient catapulted the Gigg Lane men into the top six in Division Three and as far as Preece is concerned his side go to Loftus Road with confidence.

"It's a massive game for us and one that the lads have been looking forward to," he said.

"In fact they've done really well to put it to the back of their minds over the past few weeks. They haven't let it affect their league form as we were determined to maintain the progress we are making up the table.

"It would be brilliant to get a result down there but we are well aware of how tough it will be. Fulham are one of the best passing teams in the Premiership and it will be a big test for us as we like to knock the ball around a bit ourselves.

"We can only learn from the game and it will be a great experience for our young players."

Preece has had both the Cottagers' first and second teams watched in recent weeks, just in case manager Jean Tigana rests some of his first team regulars for the tie.

But the Bury boss reckons the former French international midfielder will field a strong side as the Londoners appear to be taking the match seriously.

"I know for a fact that Fulham have had us watched in every game we've played since the draw was made," added Preece.

"They aren't taking the match lightly and they probably see the competition as a good way of getting into Europe.

"They are enjoying playing in the UEFA Cup this season and will be keen to qualify for next year's competition."

Preece will be missing midfielders Lenny Johnrose (hamstring) and George Clegg (knee) while striker Gareth Seddon (back) isn't expected to recover in time for the cup tie.

The only doubts following the weekend win concern both the manager himself (groin) and defender Matt Barrass but both are expected to be fit.

Also added to the squad is Colin Woodthorpe who missed the Orient game with a stomach bug that left him weakened.

"It's going to be tough," added Preece. "We are the biggest outsiders of the night and not too many people will fancy us.

"But we will be travelling down with confidence. I always feel we are capable of scoring so it's a case of trying to keep it tight at the back.

"Anything and everything is possible in a one-off game and we'll be giving it a go. We have a gameplan and will look at it on the night."

With three goals in his first three starts of the season Preece is looking to continue his recent goalscoring streak and is as thrilled to be involved in the glamour tie as anyone in the squad.

"I am looking forward to playing as much as the younger lads," he said.

"A few weeks ago the best I could have expected was a place on the bench but since Pav (Abbott) left I've been forced into action and fortunately it's working out well.

"But it's a tough place to go and keep up a run of scoring!"

The Bury boss hasn't been in touch with Preston manager Craig Brown since last week and is watching with interest to see if there's a chance of Abbott returning to Gigg Lane to continue his loan spell.

He was on the bench for North End's 3-1 victory over Lancashire rivals Burnley on Saturday but wasn't involved.

"I am monitoring the situation and haven't given up on bringing him back," he said.

The first team squad had a well earned day off yesterday (Monday) after two gruelling matches at Lincoln and Orient but were to be back in harness on the training ground today.

Kick-off at Loftus Road is 7.45pm.