PRESTON North End provide the final test of pre-season today for a Bury side so far unbeaten in four friendlies.

Manager David Flitcroft has been impressed by his side’s application after opening their pre-season campaign with victory at Macclesfield before subsequent draws at Morecambe and Radcliffe Borough and at home to Blackburn.

The Shakers boss was full of praise for his players’ discipline and determination after Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw against Rovers.

But he has asked them to marry the same energy levels with more craft on the ball when they come up against Championship opposition for the second time in five days.

“From a physical point of view Tuesday night was fantastic,” he said.

“We came up against a top quality Blackburn side who moved the ball well and moved the ball quick. So we had to be disciplined.

“We didn’t have lion’s share of possession but it didn’t matter. We stayed disciplined and rigid in our formation to limit them to just one chance in the second half.

“The discipline of the team was something I was pleased with but I would want us to be a touch better (against Preston) with the ball – move the ball a touch quicker.

“Certainly out of possession, though, I have been really happy.

“Leading up to the Preston game what I am after is the same high energy performance and I am sure I will get that.”

Flitcroft is also hoping to have more players to call upon after only being able to name a squad of 14 for the Blackburn game.

Seven first team players were unavailable due to injury.

Centre-back Keil O’Brien is struggling with a long-term knee problem, while Andrew Tutte (calf), Ryan Lowe (ankle), Danny Nardiello (back) and Kelvin Etuhu (hamstring) are yet to kick a ball in anger during pre-season due to injury problems.

Summer signing Jacob Mellis has also not figured as he continues to work on his fitness.

And star midfielder Danny Mayor was notable by his absence on Tuesday night after picking up a knock at Morecambe. The club have not officially revealed the extent of his injury, but it is understood he is not expected to be a doubt for the start of the League One season at Doncaster next Saturday.

Flitcroft is certainly unfazed by the lengthy injury list or the size of his squad after handing shirt numbers to 21 players earlier in the week.

“We have come through the worst of it now (in terms of injuries) and I expect to have nearly a full complement of players (for the Preston game),” he said.

“The four or five injuries we have collected have not been a worry because they have not been long term.

“I have stretched them in pre-season. I have taken them to the limit, I have challenged them every day.

“We have picked up some niggles but I do expect that in pre-season.

“The bulk of the squad have come through with flying colours.”