LUCKLESS Nathan Blake was hit by another blow when he was forced to pull out of the Wales squad.

The Wanderers striker aggravated a hamstring strain in training and Burnden chiefs have notified Welsh boss Bobby Gould that he will not be available for next week's friendly match in Switzerland.

Blake carried the injury through Saturday's match at West Ham when it was insufficiently serious to hamper his mobility but he strained it during his second training session of the week.

Manager Colin Todd said: "He is suspended anyway for our next match against Southampon on Saturday week but the injury would have kept him out even if he was available."

One man almost certain to play against the Saints is left back Jimmy Phillips who now looks assured of finishing the season as Wanderers' only ever present player. His booking at West Ham on Saturday will not bring a suspension as he remains below the 21-point mark.

And with players who go over 21 points after last Sunday escaping a ban, Phillips will be clear for the start of next season even if he gets himself booked in the last two matches.

Coventry City's point gained at Nottingham Forest last night and the Saints' defeat at Newcastle keeps Wanderers' hopes of maintaining their Premiership status hanging by a thread.

Meanwhile, Bury will be backed by a huge travelling army when they travel to high-flying rivals Darlington on Saturday in a game which could see the Shakers promoted.

Victory for Bury would guarantee them a place in the Second Division if Plymouth, Wigan and Hereford all fail to win their away games. Bury, who will almost definitely be without hamstring victim Nicky Reid for the second successive match, have almost sold out of their original allocation of 1,200 tickets for the crunch clash and expect to sell a follow-on allocation of 500 tickets which were sent to Gigg Lane today.

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