PRE-season preparations continue for Andy Preece's squad at Leigh RMI.

The Vauxhall Conference side held Oldham to a scoreless draw on Wednesday and will be up for the clash against the Shakers.

For Preece it is another chance to shuffle his pack and have a look at different players in different positions.

Turkish youngster Edward Tarsus and Maltese trialist Luke Dimech - who both impressed in the midweek win at Radcliffe - are both likely to feature as well as established first teamers such as Sam Collins, Paul Reid, Chris Billy and Paddy Kenny.

And also involved will be promising youngsters like Adam Martin and former Manchester United junior Marc Whiteman.

Already there is plenty of competition for places, especially up front where Baichung Bhutia has made a good start in his quest to be Jon Newby's strike partner.

The Indian scored twice against Boro and was mighty impressive, prompting his boss to identify him as the man most likely to replace Colin Cramb.

"He's definitely made a claim to play that roll alongside Jon," admitted Preece, who has been pleased with Bhutia's attitude and fitness since the striker returned from the summer break.

"He has started dropping off a little and feeding Jon and he played very well in that position and, hopefully, he can go from strength to strength there.

"I think his ideal role is playing similar to the way Cramby did for us, dropping a bit deeper so he doesn't have defenders up his backside all the time. That allows him to get space and link play.

"That's the sort of game Baichung plays and it is similar to Cramby's. I was disappointed to lose Cramby, but these things happen and Baichung has his chance now."

Matt Barrass is also in line to play against Leigh after completing 60 minutes in a behind closed doors midweek match against Bolton, which finished in a 2-2 draw.

He suffered no reaction to the runout, which is good news for the youngster who spent almost all of last season on the sidelines with a variety of injuries.

In fact, Preece's biggest selection headache for the coming season will be which central defenders to choose.

Now Chris Swailes has gone it is a big chance for someone else to establish themselves at the heart of the defence.

Steve Redmond is likely to continue as sweeper, leaving Sam Collins, Nicky Hill, Danny Swailes, Edward Tarsus and Maltese international Dimech to battle it out between themselves.

One man with a real chance of getting back in the team is Darren Bullock.

The previously out-of-favour midfielder could become a key man again, as experience in the middle of the park is needed.

And Preece is hoping Bullock will produce the goods.

The boss added: "When he's fit and everything is going right, then he is an asset to any team. We'll work on his fitness and, hopefully, he will play as well as he started last year."

Kick off at Leigh's Hilton Park tomorrow is 3pm. Admission is £5 adults, £2 concessions.