NEILL Hardy is hoping to make his bow back at Stainton Park in Saturday's friendly against neighbours Bury.

Hardy played and scored in Radcliffe Borough's opening friendly -- a 4-2 win at Radcliffe Amateurs -- but has been laid low by an Achilles injury and a bout of flu since then.

That forced him to miss the friendlies against Bolton Wanderers and Rochdale following his return to the Boro fold from Nationwide League Stockport County.

Eamon Elliott and Barry Keeling, who both missed the 3-0 defeat against Rochdale, are expected to be available for the Bury game, but Mark Dempsey is unlikely to play much before the start of the season due to work commitments with Manchester United.

There could be a new face at the Boro before the big kick-off as manager Kevin Glendon is in talks with former West Ham United and Manchester City midfielder Ian Bishop.

The 34-year-old Southport-based star is looking for a club nearer home after playing with Welsh club Barry, who featured in the Champions League last season.

Boro continue their round of pre-season games with a testimonial for long-serving centre back David Bean against Crewe at Stainton Park next Tuesday.

That is followed by away games at Glossop on August 6, Fareham on August 9 and Bognor on August 10 before the big kick-off at Guiseley on August 17.

Boro have places available for three five-day soccer courses for children aged 6-12 between July 29 and August 30. Price is £35 per week. Further details on 0161-724 8346.