JON Daly has been recalled from his loan spell at Bury ahead of Tuesday night's home game against Third Division strugglers Southend United.

Daly has returned to Stockport County to help Sammy McIlroy's side fight the drop from Division Two.

But the striker's County team-mate Dave Challinor has been allowed to extend his loan stay at Gigg Lane.

Shakers manager Graham Barrow said that he had been dreading a phone call from McIlroy to recall Daly.

"It wasn't the most welcome phone call I've had in the world," said Barrow. "But I completely understand Sammy's situation.

"When your club are in the position they are in and results are going poorly you have to look after your own nest. We'll just have to get on with it.

"I'd like to thank Jon for what he has done for us since he arrived.

"He is an unsung hero as far as I am concerned and the way he held the ball up was very important to us defensively.

"Now it's up to someone else to assume that mantle."

One man who won't be able to step into Daly's shoes tonight is Joe O'Neill, who is still suffering from an ankle injury.

Also missing is Harpal Singh (ankle) and Simon Whaley (medial knee ligaments) leaving Barrow with only 16 professionals at his disposal.

Tonight's game is the first of three home matches for the Shakers in eight days, with Darlington's visit on Saturday followed by a clash with Leyton Orient next Tuesday.

Barrow is hoping mumps-victim Jon Cartledge will be fit enough to resume his place in the first team after missing Saturday's clash at the Kassam Stadium.