BURY'S Worthington Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday tonight has been overshadowed by the death of a player.

Wednesday reserve Tom Staniforth collapsed and died on Sunday.

As a result Peter Shreeves' team did not train yesterday. They will wear black armbands during tonight's 90 minutes.

"It didn't seem right to train," said Shreeves. "The whole club is shocked and saddened. We came in this morning to do our training. We didn't do anything yesterday as a mark of respect."

Bury however have to concentrate solely on the match.

And they have already suffered a big blow.

Baichung Bhutia is almost certainly out of tonight's game after suffering a knee injury against QPR on Saturday.

A hospital scan on the damaged area has been inconclusive leaving Bury boss Andy Preece fearing the striker might have damaged his cartilage which could keep him out for six weeks. At best it is simply bad bruising but either way Bhutia is almost certain to miss the visit of the Yorkshire side.

Manager Andy Preece knows only too well that a win tonight could set up a money-spinning second round tie against one of the Premiership big boys - and in the club's current financial position that would be a Godsend.

"We're all aware of how much the club could do with a big pay day but I don't want that to add to the pressure on the players," he explained.

"We have got to remain positive and keep our self belief. Wednesday are a very good side but we are at home and anything can happen."

Bhutia aside, Preece is likely to name the same team which narrowly lost out to QPR in controversial fashion on Saturday.

Ex-RAF striker Gareth Seddon is the man most likely to replace the Indian.

Preece added: "Gareth looked lively when he came on against QPR on Saturday and it is a chance for him to make a name for himself."

Dangerman for Sheffield Wednesday is Geral Sibon, a £2m signing from Ajax and top scorer at Hillsborough last season with 15 goals from midfield.

Look out for the Argentinian Pablo Bonvin as well. Signed from Boca Juniors on a 12-month loan, Wednesday have got international clearance for the striker and he could start tonight, although it is more likely he will enter the fray from the bench.