Forget the hammering - at least Bish is back

After eight months out with tendonitis and associated injuries, perhaps the least best team to play against is Manchester United. But this is what happened to Andy Bishop in the Manchester Senior Cup, which took place at Carrington behind closed doors.

The striker got a long awaited return with a place on the bench after again coming back from his long term injury whilst Alan Knill looked at trialist's Karl Clair and Odilon Koubemba. However, the return of the Bish was marred by a crushing 8-0 defeat.

On Friday evening Knill has almost a full-strength squad available as Bish edges closer to full fitness after complications in his recovery from tendonitis. He has played for the reserves at Carrington and trained this week but is not yet ready to make a return to first-team action.

Bishop's continued absence aside, the Shakers have no other injury or suspension concerns as they bid to break the hoodoo of a six-match winless stretch in all competitions.

Also Knill is keen to bring fresh players into his squad but accepts that financial constraints limit him as he looks to strengthen the club's promotion challenge. He said: "We might have to move somebody on if we want to bring somebody in."

Disclaimer: The views in this article are that of the writer and may not replicate those of the Professional Footballers' Association.