SHAKERS boss Andy Preece has received another hammer blow before tomorrow's home clash with Peterborough - Chris Billy is likely to be out for at least a month, writes STEVE CANAVAN.

Last year's player of the season was stretchered off against Brentford on Tuesday. It was feared the midfielder had suffered cruciate ligament damage but a scan has ruled that out.

However, he will still be out of action for several weeks.

"He will definitely be out for a while," confirmed Preece, who has more casualties on his hands than Fairfield Hospital.

"Our luck with injuries just keeps getting worse and the team virtually picks itself at the moment."

The only area Preece has a choice in is defence, with both Danny Swailes and Sam Collins expected to be fit to line up against Posh.

Michael Nelson, who also limped from the field at Brentford, has recovered leaving Preece with a tough choice.

The most likely scenario is to pair Swailes and Nelson at the back, with George Syros - who had a poor game in midweek - relegated to the bench.

With skipper Paul Reid suspended and Harpal Singh (back), Paul O'Shaughnessy (knee) and Billy all injured, the midfield department will be stretched to the limit.

Up front Jon Newby and Gareth Seddon will continue their burgeoning partnership.

Preece wants a win against Barry Fry's Posh but it depends on how well the defence can bounce back from Tuesday night's mauling.

"Apart from the referee - who I can't say anything about - it was our defending that was shocking at Brentford," added the boss.

"We told Michael (Nelson) and George (Syros) exactly what they had to do and they didn't do it.

"We actually played good football and our front two ran them ragged. But we need to defend as if our lives are on the line and until we start doing that we won't win."

Peterborough are a team on-fire and will be no pushovers. They beat QPR 5-1 in midweek and in striker Leon McKenzie have one of the hottest talents in the lower divisions.

A win tomorrow could take them second in the table.

"It will not be easy," admitted Preece. "We know the way they play and they like to attack whenever they can. But they also leave holes at the back. We need to be strong in defence and take our chances up front."