FORMER Manchester United youngster Marc Whiteman is out of action for weeks after suffering a badly broken nose last weekend.

The Jersey-born striker was competing for Bury's Under-19s against Carlisle United when the injury occurred.

It's a real blow to the talented youngster as well as Shakers boss Andy Preece who admits Whiteman has forced himself into his thoughts in recent weeks.

"It's a bad break, badly shattered and he'll be out for at least four weeks," said Preece.

"It's a real sickener for the lad because he was really starting to show up and under the circumstances there might have been an opening for him.

"Marc has shown great attitude it's just unfortunate for him - and me as well!"

While the rest of the nation's soccer lovers have their thoughts firmly on the England v Germany World Cup qualifier this weekend, Preece can be forgiven for having his mind elsewhere other than Munich.

The Shakers boss has plenty to keep him occupied over the next few days following a dire Bank Holiday weekend programme that yielded no points and two weary performances.

Foremost in his thoughts is how he is going to instill some confidence into his squad after four consecutive defeats have left them flat as a pancake.

That opening day victory at Tranmere Rovers seemed a long, long time ago immediately after Monday's 3-0 defeat by Swindon but Preece isn't in the mood for sulking about it.

"There's no need to panic, we aren't bottom of the league, adrift with no points and we're only four games into the season," he said.

"We had a great start at Tranmere, did pretty well in the next two games for no reward and it's only in the last two matches we've let ourselves down.

"It's all down to confidence. We need to rebuild it and add some mental strength out on the field.

"That's what we'll be working on over the next few days and hopefully we'll get it right for the next game against Wigan next week."

The blank weekend has come as something of a Godsend for Preece who will put his first team squad through a full scale practice match today.

After announcing that first team places were up for grabs he got a worthwhile response from the reserves who grabbed a 1-0 victory over York City in the Axa Assurance League on Wednesday afternoon.

Another former Manchester United youngster George Clegg was on target for the Shakers.