SHAKERS boss Andy Preece admits he is under increasing pressure to release the shackles on wonderkid David Nugent and let him loose in the starting 11 writes Chris Hall

The 17-year-old striker has been patiently biding his time with a string of inspirational appearances from the bench this season.

His electrifying pace and vision set up Jon Newby's 11th goal of the campaign and clinched a share of the spoils against Kidderminster on Sunday.

And, as an excited Gigg Lane faithful demand to see him shed his 'super sub' tag, Preece admits Nugent's full emergence on the senior stage is fast approaching.

"There's no doubt, David changed the game for us on Sunday," he said.

"Now I'll just tell the lads to go out there and play like David Nugent. He's young and hasn't played many games so he has no fear at all and just enjoys playing football.

"They way he keeps playing, he's pushing and forcing his way into the reckoning and there has to be a time when you give the guy a chance."

That chance may have to wait until after the New Year's Day visit of Hull City, as Preece continues to partner Jon Newby up front.

But there are still plenty of selection posers to settle, especially after Terry Dunfield dislocated his shoulder for the second time this season.

Lenny Johnrose would be his logical successor but is struggling with a hamstring strain, opening the door for ex-skipper Martyn Forrest.

Left backs Jamie Stuart and Colin Woodthorpe are suspended after picking up five bookings this season.

Preece was not confident he could shake off his hamstring injury in time.

"Lenny is touch and go for the Hull game so we will have to wait and see," he said.

"But we have plenty of possible replacements. Martyn Forrest has had a tough time and found himself out of the team after being captain earlier this season. But I am sure he will come back and do a great job.

"We've also got Paul O'Shaughnessy and George Clegg came through 80 minutes on Sunday, so we will have to see how his knee reacts to that. So we do have options."

But Preece's extra headache comes from the poor discipline of left backs Jamie Stuart and Colin Woodthorpe, who are both sidelined for one match after picking up their fifth yellow card of the campaign.

"That leaves us a bit short-handed on the left side and we can't recall Nicky Hill from Leigh in the first month of his loan," said Preece.

"But that just gives a chance to players like Gary Evans and Tom Kennedy and it will be interesting to see how they fare. It's not the way they would want to break into the squad but it is still a great chance for them."