LEE Erwin’s surprise loan move from Leeds United was put into context by the news that Danny Mayor was undergoing tests on a mystery virus.

The 21-year-old Scotland Under-19s forward joined up with the squad at Carrington on Friday and went straight into the starting line-up for Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Wigan Athletic.

Manager David Flitcroft had been expected to dip into the loan market for a defender as the club weighed up bids for centre-back cover Matty Foulds - a situation that is still to be concluded.

So it was somewhat of a shock when he unveiled another front man to add to attacking ranks that already included Leon Clarke, Tom Pope, Danny Rose, Hallam Hope, Ryan Lowe and Danny Nardiello.

But as the Bury boss explained, the youngster had been brought in on a 28-day loan to fulfil a role normally carried out by Mayor, starting in his favoured position, wide on the left, against Wigan.

“He’s not a striker – he’s a winger that can play either side so if I want to change formations he can play as a wide right striker or a wide left,” said Flitcroft, who had used Hope as cover for Mayor in that position previously this season.

“He’s a player that has got size and structure. He is a player that can go and drive at you. He plays in that off-centre position.

“He likes coming inside from the left side and getting shots off, but we didn’t have the ball enough to really see the impact he could make.”

Erwin managed just 53 minutes before being substituted on Saturday, and Flitcroft said fans may have to wait a while before they see the best of the young Scot.

He joined Leeds in the summer after scoring a handful of important goals for previous club Motherwell in the play-offs last season, finishing up with six from 36 appearances.

The youngster has since made a name for himself in the Under-21s at Elland Road, scoring a brace inside a minute against QPR last month.

“When we have got more of the ball I am sure he will make a good impact,” added Flitcroft.

“But like all loan players it is going to take a while for him to settle in.

“He only got a small time with the squad. He had a lot to take in but he’s nearly come in on the back of his first three points at home.”

While Bury fans gave Erwin a warm welcome on social media and on the terraces, they will be concerned at the news about Mayor’s illness.

Flitcroft seemed to suggest his star midfielder had been suffering with conditions similar to glandular fever, although the club was still awaiting the outcome of blood tests.

“Danny Mayor has picked up a virus so we got him out of the building on Thursday, Friday and he will see a specialist to have a look at the situation,” said the Bury manager.

“His body is down and he’s not got the energy he’s (normally) got so we are just a bit concerned about that.

“He will go and see a specialist on Monday and we will get further updates from that.

“He’s not been sick, he’s just sort of depowered so we have got to look at all different blood tests to make sure we can find a solution.”