BURY central defender Sam Collins may need surgery to cure the troubling achilles injury that has reduced him to a spectator.

The big Yorkshireman hasn't tasted first team action since limping off against Notts County two weeks ago.

His ankle problem has been slow to respond to treatment and Shakers boss Andy Preece is keen for him to get sorted out in readiness for the pre-season.

"We'll have to see how he goes on but if he needs an operation then so be it," he said.

"We want to give Sam every chance to get ready for next season and don't want him hanging on so that is what we will do."

Also a major doubt for tomorrow's visit of Bristol City is star striker Jon Newby and he will certainly be missed after making a remarkable impact since his move from Liverpool.

The Warrington-born hitman hasn't recovered sufficiently from an ankle knock and Preece will not risk him if not fully fit.

"We're bound to miss Jon but hopefully it won't be for long," added Preece. "Fortunately we have no midweek games next week so, given a full seven days he will be fit for the Reading game next Saturday."

With central defender Steve Redmond starting the first of a five match ban (he was already in line for two but picked up another three following his dismissal at Oldham last week) the spotlight falls on young stoppers Danny Swailes and Steve Halford.

Swailes has had to be patient to win back his place after some fine performances before he was stretchered off with an ankle injury at Walsall and Nicky Hill's impressive displays in the back line have made it even more difficult for him to break back in.

Meanwhile Bury-born Halford will be keen to show just what a quality performer he is and, hopefully, earn himself extended contract.

Former Shakers favourite Danny Wilson is now in the Ashton Gate hotseat and he has striking problems of his own for tomorrow.

Leading goalscorer Tony Thorpe and Peter Beadle will both be missing, serving their final suspensions of a three match ban following their dismissals against Millwall.

One man who will be eager to do well tomorrow is Shakers loan striker Colin Cramb who was a £250,000 signing for the Ashton Gate club in 1997 before moving to Crewe Alexandra for a similar fee before the 1999-2000 campaign.