DANIEL Bachmann returns to boost David Flitcroft’s goalkeeping options ahead of the home clash with Burton Albion – but the Shakers boss has hinted his selection is no foregone conclusion.

Seventeen-year-old Scot Jack Ruddy stepped into the breach in the 3-1 defeat at Gillingham and earned high praise from the Gigg Lane chief.

But on-loan Stoke City stopper Bachmann due back in the camp after international commitments with Austria Under-21s, and with both Paddy Kenny and Rob Lainton ruled out with injury, he will be hot favourite to take the number one shirt.

Flitcroft gave teenage talent Ruddy a slap on the back after his debut, refusing to pin blame on him for any of Gillingham’s goals.

“I enjoyed watching him grow into the game,” he said. “Everyone deserves an opportunity somewhere and Jack certainly took his and I’m delighted for him.

“He’s a grafter with goalkeeper coach Ian Willcock he goes to the academies at night, the academies on a Sunday to watch the Youth Team and help them out, and he’s got his just reward, because he does work hard.”

Flitcroft is in a positive mood ahead of an intriguing contest between two of last season’s high-flyers in League Two, who have started this campaign off with a bang.

It marks the start of a testing sequence of fixtures that the manager believes will be a good benchmark for his squad.

“I was really looking forward to this run of games to see how far we had come on our journey and our progression,” he said.

“The players will know what we need to do to be competitive against Burton, then Scunthorpe and then Millwall.

“It’s a difficult run of games but a good run of games.”

Flitcroft is also relishing the chance to lock horns with another one of the league’s up-and-coming young managerial talents in ex-Chelsea and Netherlands striker Jimmy-Flloyd Hasselbaink.

After being shortlisted for the MBNA North West Football Awards Manager of the Year on Monday night – losing out to Preston North End’s Simon Grayson in the end – Flitcroft admits his appetite is whet for what looks a mouth-watering fixture.

“Burton under Jimmy’s (Floyd Hasselbaink) guidance have done fantastically well,” he said. “Jimmy is one of the brightest coaches we have got working over here now.

“I remember his first week (in the job). I went over to a game at Accrington and Jimmy was up there.

“He gets about to games, he does his work and that’s why they have had the start they have had.

“Jimmy works hard and he gets results, so yes it is a tough game but certainly one that we are looking forward to.”

Meanwhile, seats are on sale for the FA Cup second round derby with Rochdale from today for season ticket holders.

An allocation of 3,000 tickets have been given to the Shakers at Spotland priced at £22 for adults, £16 concessions and £5 for juniors.

Should a replay be required, it will be staged on Tuesday, December 15 at Gigg Lane, kick-off 7.45pm.