FINDING a replacement for injured striker Ryan Lowe, who faces up to six weeks out with a hamstring strain, remains the top priority for Bury boss David Flitcroft in the final days of the January transfer window.

But the Shakers manager knows holding on to what he has got could prove just as crucial to his side’s promotion chances.

The JD outfit moved back into the play-off places with a 2-1 win at home to Carlisle on Saturday and further strengthened their position with a 1-0 victory at Accrington in midweek.

On-loan centre-back Adam El-Abd played a key role in those back-to-back wins, and has helped ensure Bury have lost just once in the last seven matches.

Flitcroft says he is eager to extend the stay of the Bristol City defender past the end of his current deal, which runs out after Saturday’s trip to title hopefuls Burton Albion.

“We are looking to do something,” he said.

“That’s 14 points from seven games – that’s where we are at – and Adam has been a massive part of it, so I want to extend that.”

Flitcroft also confirmed he has “irons in the fire” as he narrows his search for a target man.

The club’s top scorer, Danny Nardiello, announced his return to full fitness with a two-goal haul against Carlisle, but the Bury boss remains concerned that none of his available strikers, including youngsters Danny Rose and Hallam Hope, can match Lowe’s link-up play.

“I think we have got strikers that are all of a similar ilk,” he said.

“To find a six foot plus striker, who is robust, mobile and scores goals is a tough fit, but that’s what we are after.

“There is not a Lowe jumping out at us. January is a difficult window to get that type of player in.

“We have got irons in the fire, but if it’s not the right one for this group then I won’t be doing it.”

While Bury’s management team scour the market for hidden gems, Flitcroft has been busy singing the praises of one of his own.

He admitted winger Danny Mayor was becoming “too good” for League Two following a virtuoso display on Saturday, but while he refused to discount a possible sale if the price was right, he hinted Bury could afford to wait until the summer to cash in.

“I do believe Danny Mayor is becoming too good for this league,” he said. “He ghosted past players again on Tuesday night and his performance on Saturday was just incredible.

“In terms of developing players you can’t hold on to them forever.

“At the right time they have got to go.

“But I am sure the chairman will sell on his terms.

“He is a businessman, we have come here to develop a business plan.

“We have bought in talent to try to develop it and put noughts on that. That is something we have done.

“I am sure we will be able to hold on to them (assets like Danny Mayor) but there might be a time when they outgrow where we are at.”