BURY'S Mr Versatile Ian Hughes is back in demand after finding himself out in the cold for five months.

Hughes appearances in the starting line-up in the last two Tuesday night victories were his first since the end of October.

His starring show against Crewe three days ago was enough to secure his place in midfield for the visit of relegation-threatened Peterborough at Gigg Lane tomorrow. But a hamstring injury which rules out Andy Woodward against The Posh is likely to mean Hughes plugging the gap alongside Chris Lucketti and Paul Butler.

Bury born and bred Hughes, the Shakers' longest serving player despite still only 22, is happy to play anywhere. "I feel comfortable in the centre of midfield but I just want to be in the side after so long out," he said.

"It has been very frustrating sat on the sidelines but everyone wants to play and the manager can only pick eleven.

"I have always kept my head down and got on with it and the hard work has paid off. I had to bide my time and when we had Lenny Johnrose and Gordon Armstrong suspended last week I think there was no choice but to throw me in. You have to take your chance when it comes and that's what I did."

Hughes' switch back could open the way for the return of Adrian Randall in midfield. Manager Stan Ternent also has the other option of playing with a flat back four, keeping Hughes in midfield and playing either Randall or an extra striker.

Club captain David Pugh will not be pressured to rush back after recovering from his second broken arm of the season.

Pugh returned to competitive action with 60-minute run-outs in the 'B' team and reserves this week and Ternent says: "It's a psychological thing now. He is fairly fit and has to overcome his fear. When he says he is ready then he'll be ready but there's no way I'd ask anyone to come into a situation like this if they're not just right."

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