BURY manager Ryan Lowe believes the club deserves to get to Wembley after reaching the Checkatrade Trophy semi-finals.

The Shakers have experienced many ups and downs since Lowe first joined as a player in 2009, enduring a dismal relegation last term.

But since being named permanent manager last summer, Lowe has steered them to second in League Two and the brink of a cup final.

Bury romped to a 5-2 win against League One Oxford to go within one game of playing at Wembley for the first time in 24 years.

The last time the Shakers got there was in 1995, a Third Division play-off final defeat to Chesterfield.

“I want to take these players to Wembley,” he said. “I want a day out with my family and all the lads want a day out with theirs.

“The chairman’s just been in, saying ‘well done’ to the boys and he said he might buy us some new suits if we get to Wembley. This club deserves to go.”

Bury will again face League One opposition in the last four – Portsmouth, Sunderland or Bristol Rovers – with the draw to be made tomorrow lunchtime.

“They’re good clubs with big followings but they’re in the same position as us, it’s all about Wembley,” Lowe added. “We’re not disrespecting anyone by saying that. When you’re one game away you’ve got to talk about it, it’s a motivation you can set the lads.”

After the draw, Lowe will turn his attention back to the league and a top-of-the-table clash with Lincoln, to be shown live on Sky Sports.

With one eye on Saturday’s game, Lowe rested joint-top scorers Nicky Maynard and Jay O’Shea in midweek. He must also decide whether to start Danny Mayor, who is out of contract in the summer, for the third time in a week, having previously had to manage his game time due to injury concerns.

“His performance was brilliant, his attitude’s brilliant,” Lowe added. “I know everyone’s singing ‘sign him up’ and we are in discussions with Danny.

“I’ve got a great relationship with him and there’s no rush, there’s no panic.

“I think Danny loves me just as much as I love him so I’m sure we’ll be all right.”

Bury have signed Scott Wharton on loan from Blackburn for the remainder of the season.

The defender had been recalled from Lincoln, who he could make his debut against on Saturday.

“Scott is someone we were interested in at the start of season, but he opted to go back to Lincoln on loan where he was the season before,” Lowe said. “He is a good left-sided defender and gives us great depth in our squad down the left side, but most importantly he is a good lad who wants to be a part of what we’re trying to do.”