DAVE McNabb is hoping to have captain Tom Moore and 23-goal striker Andy Briggs back for Saturday’s home game with Lower Breck.

The Shakers boss hinted that both could have played in Tuesday’s top-of-the-table clash with Wythenshawe which was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Gigg Lane.

But the pair, who have missed the last few games - including Saturday’s 1-0 win against Glossop North End - are set to return as Bury continue their quest for promotion and the NWCL Premier Division title.

McNabb is waiting to see if Connor Coomber is available following his own injury lay-off.

However he said injuries are something all clubs have to deal with at this stage of the season and refuses to use it as an excuse.

“We assessed them both (Moore and Briggs) and they should have been fit to return on Tuesday,” said McNabb. “Connor, probably a week too early, but injuries happen at this time of the season.

“It is not an excuse, we have a good squad. The five players we had on the bench (against Glossop) were all good enough to start the game.”

Harry Brockbank also returned to the match day squad at the weekend and McNabb said he will have to manage the workload of the former Bolton Wanderers player who was injured on his Shakers debut.

“He is a great player, you look at his pedigree and where he has come from,” he said. “ It was just a case of you are going to get a few niggles when you come back after not playing for a while.

“The lad has played Championship football and League One football so there is no doubt about his ability, we probably need to ease him in a little bit.”

Looking back at the hard-fought Glossop win, McNabb said: “First half I thought it was a little bit flat, Glossop started really well, second half was a little bit better. Got the goal which seemed to settle us down a little bit.

“I was a little bit disappointed we didn’t get the second. I think they had a goal which should have stood but it could have been 2-1 or 3-1 but sometimes you have got to win ugly.

“You look back at these games at the back end of the season and you remember them so three points and we go again.”

McNabb selected the same side that impressed in the 2-0 win at Isle of Man the previous week as he looks to strive for consistency.

“I thought we were excellent last Saturday (against Isle of Man), that was the best we have played for a while in terms of in possession and creating chances,” he said.

“We just looked like we were going to score every time we went forward second half so the idea was a bit of consistency, keep the same team.

“Obviously we have quite a few players out with injuries and suspensions so the lads who came on off the bench helped see the game out.”