MANCHESTER City midfielder Terry Dunfield could be set for a dramatic return to Gigg Lane.

The influential little Canadian became a firm crowd favourite at Gigg Lane after joining on loan early in the season and played a massive part in the Shakers climb up the Third Division table.

When he picked up a nasty dislocated shoulder during the Fulham Worthington Cup defeat last week it was a quick return to Maine Road for the talented 20-year-old but he has amazed the medical staff down there with a startling recovery.

Any new deal would have to be re-negotiated and Dunfield would have to stay at Gigg to the end of the season but that wouldn't be a problem for boss Andy Preece or the Bury faithful.

"It's a freaky situation," said Preece.

"The physio at Manchester City said he has seen eight or nine of those kinds of injuries but Terry's has surprised him, it's a bit of a miracle!

"Usually for the first few days when you dislocate your shoulder you are in absolute agony but for some reason Terry has had nothing like that and he could be back with us sooner than we thought.

"Because of the regulations regarding loan transfers it would have to be a long-term deal and I don't know what City's thoughts on that would be but I am keen to get him back because he is a key player for us."