LENELL John-Lewis could be in line to replace leading Bury striker Andy Bishop as the Shakers lone front man at Exeter tomorrow.

Bishop turned an ankle in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Chesterfield, and, given John-Lewis’ performance after coming on as a second-half substitute, the 22-year-old hitman must be favourite to start at St James’ Park.

Although four-goal John-Lewis did not score in the Gigg Lane clash, it was from his assist that captain Schumacher grabbed the equaliser with two minutes remaining.

And manager Richie Barker hailed the genial forward and fellow subsitute David Worrall for igniting the Bury attack after they looked ring-rusty in the first half following a weather enforced two-week lay off.

If selected, it will be part of a continuing renaissance for John-Lewis, who also impressed in the 1-1 draw at League One leaders Charlton on January 31, in which he also scored.

The player last week signed an 18-month contract extension with the option of an incentive-based year on top of that, but he is quick to give credit to his team-mate Bishop and former striker Barker for helping him improve his potency in front of goal.

“I watch Bish all the time in training,” said John Lewis. “He’s a great finisher with that predatory instinct in the box. I’m just trying to learn from him. It’s the same with the boss. The fact that he’s been a striker is helping me to learn and improve.

“I feel confident. The goals have been coming and the board have rewarded me with a contract. I’m delighted.”

Former Shakers manager Tom McAnearney has passed away at the age of 79.

McAnearney was in the Gigg lane hot seat from November 1970 until May 1972.

Appointed by chairman Billy Allen, he took over from Colin McDonald, but stunned the Shakers board by asking to be released two years later after being made a better offer by Aldershot Town.

McAnearney is credited for introducing youth team player and eventual Liverpool great Terry McDermott to the first-team squad.

A former player and coach with Sheffield Wednesday, he also managed Crewe before taking over at Bury.

He parted company with Aldershot in 1981 and worked for the Royal Mail before retiring to Sheffield, later moving back to his native Scotland.