HOME advantage and the fact Hull City's number one priority is a return to the Premier League could work in Bury's favour in the FA Cup on Saturday.

I have no doubt that Steve Bruce has a great respect for the competition, but he still might be tempted to blood a few youngsters.

And if the Gigg Lane faithful get behind their team, as I know they will, then an upset could be on the cards.

Don't get me wrong, the Shakers face a very difficult task if they are to make it into the fifth round as Hull have a talented squad, but David Flitcroft is right when he says they still have a chance.

That is the beauty of the FA Cup.

One thing is for sure, though, Bury should stick firmly to their recent gritty blueprint.

They must keep it tight at the back, as they have done with four clean sheets in their last five games.

The defence and midfield four will have to get through a lot of running, and Bury cannot afford to try to take the game to their Championship opponents.

But I see no harm in letting Hull have the ball and as long as the Shakers keep it tight and pick the right time to hit them on the break, they could do something special.

It is a challenge I am sure Flitcroft and his players will relish.

The pressure is off them. It is a break from the league and no-one outside of the club and the fans will expect them to win, so all the ingredients are there.

The tie also represents a break from the transfer window, which must be an annoyance to managers when they are trying to focus on the football.

All the talk is of a possible move away for Joe Riley, while Flitcroft has been linked with Southend's David Worrall.

If those deals come off, and maybe Bury manage to loan out a few of their fringe players, then I think that will represent a good window for the club.

I don't see any sense in going out to find a direct replacement for Riley.

Tom Soares has proved himself to be a worthy deputy, and while Bury miss his drive in midfield, if he takes to the full-back role and enjoys playing there then maybe that could be his position.

Finally, I would just like to pass on my regards to the family of Ray Pointer. He was the reserve team coach when I arrived at the club and was a true gentleman. A really nice guy who not only taught me how to be a better footballer but also a better person.

Don't miss Jamie Hoyland's Marvellous People show on Radio Lancashire between 1-2pm on Saturday.