JOE Skarz admits he leaves Gigg Lane with a heavy heart after playing his last game for the Shakers.

The popular full-back, who has been a virtual ever-present this season for Kevin Blackwell's strugglers, signed on an emergency loan for League Two Rotherham United in the final hours of the loan window.

Skarz is out of contract in the summer and admits the perilous financial situation at Bury has forced the move through sooner than expected.

But despite the deal being rushed through late on in the loan window the 23-year-old, signed by Alan Knill from Huddersfield Town in the summer of 2010, has already set his sights on earning a permanent deal with the South Yorkshire club.

“Yesterday was the first I heard about it,” he said. “I have played in every game this season and the club are not in the best situation to be honest.

“League One is tough when you haven't got a large wage budget, like Bury, but I can honestly say I've enjoyed every minute of my time there.

“I have played for nearly four years and got promotion from this league, which is obviously my aim again. It's just a loan at this stage and nothing is sorted at this moment in time but I'd love for something permanent to be arranged.”