Striker poser for Preece

With six days to go before the club's opening match at Oxford United he faces the sobering thought that he could be without four of his five strikers.

With youngster Dave Nugent suspended for the first three games Preece also has Ian Lawson missing with an ankle injury, Gareth Seddon with a back problem and is also struggling himself with a back strain.

That leaves just Jon Newby fit and raring to go and graphically underlines the problem of having such a small squad.

Hopefully the sizeable crowd that attended the Manchester City friendly on Wednesday evening will allow Preece to bring in much-needed reinforcements while the manager is still working hard to bring in a loan player before the end of next week.

"The striker situation is a bit of a worry," he said.

"I was okay until last Thursday when I started with shooting pains.

"I have been receiving injections for it and hopefully should be okay.

"Ian Lawson doesn't look like being ready before for the start of the season after going over on his ankle on Tuesday and Gareth Seddon's problem looks to be blood related.

"But there is an outside chance that his problem can be cleared up quickly if that's the case. It would be a big bonus if he's fit."

The manager is to arrange a behind closed doors friendly next week in a bid to improve the fitness of his injured players including Seddon and midfielder David Borley, while Michael Nelson could do with one or two run-outs after falling behind with his training.

One of Preece's options would be to switch George Clegg into a forward position but with Borley and now Chris Billy on the treatment table that would diminish his midfield options.

Billy has had stitches inserted in a knee gash sustained during the City game though when the utility man arrived at Gigg Lane yesterday medical staff were happy with the wound and the big hope now is that it avoids getting infected.

"We really could do with bringing someone in before next weekend," added Preece.

"It's clear that a few injuries puts us in big trouble with the size of our squad.

"I am scouring the lists of available players every day. There are lots of names but a lot are out of our price range.

"There's no point in bringing in someone similar to what we have, we need someone will add something to the squad.

"That's why it was so disappointing to lose out on bringing Steve Macauley and Tom Bennett in."

First Division Burnley are the visitors to Gigg Lane tomorrow in what will be another stiff proposition for the Shakers.

Preece is looking for a far better defensive display from his charges after looking slack against City on Wednesday.

"We need to work better as individuals," he said.

"There were a lot of basic errors and I'd be very happy if we came out of the Burnley game with a clean sheet.

"It will be another tough game."

Kick-off is 3pm.