STAN Ternent is determined to make use of Mark Patterson, even though the new Shaker is ruled out of tomorrow's Gigg Lane showdown against his old Sheffield United mates.

The Blades sold Patterson to Bury in a £125,000 deal last week but insisted on a special clause being written into the transfer contract barring him from the Division One fixture.

Ternent aims to make the ex-Wanderers' star play his part though and said today: "I'll be picking his brains before the game."

The Bury boss, who had Patterson suspended for last Starurday's 1-0 defeat at Bradford, at least has the opportunity to bolster his midfield with the return of one-time England man Andy Gray. He is available for the first time after a six-match suspension and joins his namesake, Andy Gray the loan signing from Leeds, in the squad.

Bury have drawn two and lost four of the games Gray Snr has missed and are desperate for points after sliding into the bottom three.

Nevertheless, Ternent is confident he has the talent to lift his side away from the drop zone and insists: "We won't be in the bottom three in May."

Tony Ellis, who joined Bury a week ago in the £200,000 swap deal that took Ian Hughes to Blackpool, makes his home debut.

The only Shakers' doubt is his co-striker Peter Swan, who was sent off in the late flare-up that marred the Bradford game and has put both clubs in line for an FA disciplinary rap.

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