THE Shakers have handed an olive branch to tenants FC United in the form of Bolton-born keeper Aaron Grundy.

The two clubs, who groundshare at Gigg Lane, have enjoyed frosty relations of late after a bitter dispute over a postponed game.

But after Rebels keeper Sam Ashton suffered a serious hand injury in training during the week, Bury offered youngster Grundy on loan as an emergency replacement before FC's home game against Skelmersdale United today.

Grundy, aged 20, has a handful of appearances for the first team but has fallen behind Jim Provett and Darren Randolph in recent weeks.

Skipper Dave Challinor is a serious doubt for today's trip to Stockport County after a previous knee injury flared-up in training.

The centre-half, a former County player, is likely to make way for loan signing Efe Sodje.

Ben Futcher plays his last game before a two-match suspension. Brian Barry-Murphy and Glynn Hurst will be pressing for a start after both made an impact coming on as second-half substitutes in the 2-2 draw against Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday.

The club have also knocked back suggestions that Hurst is a candidate to leave on loan.

The experienced striker has found himself on the fringes of the first team since new boss Alan Knill was installed, but though Rotherham were knocked back after making an enquiry before the transfer deadline, it is understood the club are not actively seeking further bids.

Knill has been in charge for under a fortnight but has already made quite an impact on the club's supporters. And the feeling would appear to be mutual.

"I just like the club, there is something about it," said Knill, who is in his second stint at Gigg Lane having served as a player in the late eighties and early nineties.

"Whenever you ask people questions, you get an honest answer back. There's no maybe, it is always yes or no, and I like that.

"The club has always had a feel about it, and if we can keep that going, especially when we're winning, then I think we can go places.

"Hopefully we can all go there together, but it does take hard work, it won't happen overnight."