ANY Bury supporters making the trip to Berkshire for tomorrow's game against Reading may be well advised to take their boots with them!

Shakers boss Andy Preece could have no fewer than ELEVEN first team squad members missing for the trip to the Madejski Stadium.

Definitely out are central defensive kingpins Steve Redmond and Chris Swailes who are both serving suspensions.

Midfielder Darren Bullock and Paul Barnes are in the middle of loan spells at Sheffield United and Nuneaton Borough respectively while full-back Matt Barrass has only just restarted training after a successful knee operation.

And you can add to that Sam Collins - sure to be missing with an ankle problem - striker Jon Newby (also ankle) and reliable skipper Nick Daws who is unlikely to feature with a niggling groin strain.

But that's not all: striker Ady Littlejohn (thigh), versatile performer Lee Unsworth (ankle) and youngster Lee Connell (back) are each rated doubtful for the weekend.

"It couldn't come at a worse time for us with two tough games over the Easter period," said Preece.

"After Reading tomorrow, which will be a massive test, we entertain Wigan Athletic on Monday afternoon - it's going to be a case of seeing just who is available on the day after the Saturday game."

Promising defender Michael Nelson from UniBond League Bishop Auckland who signed on a non-contract basis just before the deadline will come into the reckoning as will Steve Halford and maybe even some of the YTS players.

"There's no doubt we'll be putting out a patched up side but on the other hand it will give some of the fringe players a chance to show what they can do," he added.

"That's how a few of the lads came into the team last season by being thrown in at the deep end when we were struggling, but it won't get much difficult than playing Reading away!"

Reading are reminiscent of the Shakers on their Second Division championship season, solid, strong with a resolute defence and the ability to grind results out.