BURY boss Andy Preece today predicted a big future for Shakers defender Matt Barrass.

The young right back delighted his manager on his return to the starting line-up in Saturday's draw at Peterborough after a bout of illness.

"Matt was fantastic," declared Preece. "He was the only player I didn't really have to speak to at half time.

"He's missed a lot of pre-season and isn't fully match fit but to come in and play like that just shows what a good player he is.

"I don't think he gets the recognition he deserves because he plays for Bury but if there's a better right back in our division I'd be very surprised."

Bury-born Barrass missed the start of the campaign after contracting glandular fever and reckons he's been fortunate in getting back in the thick of the action so quickly.

"Some people can be laid up for months but I was lucky, I only felt ill for about a week and a half," he explained.

"After that I felt okay but couldn't mix with the lads in case anyone else got it."

With only one 90 minute run out in the reserves to his name Barrass showed no ill effects on Saturday but admitted to feeling the pace later in the game.

"I felt a bit tired towards the end because I'm still lacking match fitness, it's games I need now.

"I'm just happy to be back playing although it's hard on Lee Unsworth who had been playing so well in my position before getting injured last week.

"No-one likes to see teammates pick up injuries but it's given me my chance and I'll have to keep hold of it.

"I realise with Lee at the club I'll have to do the business every week but we have stiff competition in all positions at the club."