ANDY Preece is closing in on a deal for teenage goalkeeper Lewis Solly.

The 19-year-old Wolves shot stopper is deemed surplus to requirements at Molineux despite being highly regarded by manager Dave Jones.

And Shakers boss Preece is set to offer him a Gigg Lane contract after being impressed by his six-week trial run in the reserves.

"He will probably be coming for next season, rather than the rest of this one but we may still get him in on a non-contract basis for the last few games," he said.

"Glyn Garner is our top keeper but I'm sure Lewis will be looking to push him as hard as he can during pre-season and might even push in front of him by the start of next year.

"I've seen him in training and in a couple of games since he's been here and I've been impressed. He's got a great reputation at Wolves but they've got plenty of good 'keepers."

Garner has shaken off a hamstring strain in time for Tuesday night's crunch clash with eighth-placed Oxford United at Gigg Lane, kick-off 7.45pm.

The only real question mark hangs over Preece himself, who has been struck down by the same sickness bug which ruled out David Nugent on Saturday. Nugent may make a quick return to the bench for a match Bury must win to avoid sliding back out of the play-off places.

"It's yet another huge game for us. We are in the play-off places now and we want to consolidate that," said Preece.

"This is the third home match in a week and we would settle for two wins. The win on Saturday has put us in with a great chance of automatic promotion. Hopefully we will take that opportunity."