A WAVE of illness has swept through the Shakers squad, threatening Alan Knill’s preparations ahead of Saturday’s visit of Port Vale.

Paul Scott and Ryan Cresswell are already considered doubts and the Bury boss is keeping his fingers crossed that the flu-like bug does not spread any further.

“Ben Futcher has had it and it stuck with him for two weeks,” Knill explained. “He barely made it through the game on Saturday – it was nasty.

“Scotty and Ryan have missed training, feeling under the weather, so we don’t know how quickly it will clear up.

“At this time of year every manager will be the same. You just have to sit tight and hope illnesses and injuries don’t hit you too hard.”

Knill expressed his discontent after the 1-1 draw against Macclesfield Town at the weekend and admits he is looking for more, regardless of what side he puts out against Port Vale.

“Macclesfield played well but we didn’t compete,” he said.

“Thankfully, we got the point, but it could have been a lot worse for us.

“We are better than that and to be fair I have never had to question whether my players have got the bottle. They have been excellent.

“I can question some of their decision making at times but I have never been let down by their endeavour.”

Knill knows his side’s promotion credentials will be tested to the limit over Christmas, with games against Darlington, Shrewsbury and Wycombe to come in the next four weeks.

“You know games will come thick and fast but it’s the same for everyone,” he said.

“There are some big games coming up, so if we can come out in January still in the pack we’ll have done okay. Then we can have a look at players.”