THREE injured Bury stars will begin their comebacks in a reserve match against Oldham tonight.

Midfielder Darren Bullock, striker Paul Barnes and right-back Lee Unsworth have resumed training and will start the match.

And if the trio come through 90 minutes without suffering any ill-effects they will be thrown into the squad to face Bournemouth at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

The return of Unsworth is particularly good news because the Shakers are still without a regular right back.

Matt Barrass, the only other man in the squad who plays that position, is still recovering from an operation on a damaged cartilage in his right leg.

He will not be able to resume training for at least another fortnight.

Unsworth has been out since the Bank Holiday clash against Northampton when he was caught late and suffered an ankle ligament injury.

The ligaments were only strained but it has taken longer than expected for the former Crewe player to recover.

If he comes through tonight's run out he may well be thrown back into the team for the visit of Bournemouth and so too could Darren Bullock.

He has been sorely missed on the left of midfield and is still this season's top scorer.

"Hopefully they'll get through the Oldham match fully fit and will be back in first team contention," said Preece.

"It will be good to get them back and will keep the pressure on the lads already in the team."

Preece meanwhile is hoping to tie up a loan deal to bring a striker in, with Manchester United and Northern Ireland youngster David Healy top of his wanted list.