BURY boss Andy Preece has scotched rumours that the Shakers are about to sign former Manchester City defender Andy Morrison.

The experienced centre half who has seen action with Plymouth Argyle, Blackpool and Huddersfield Town before joining City has been training with the Shakers in a bid to regain his fitness after a long term knee injury.

But Preece has been quick to point out that it is unlikely his good friend, who he knows from his days at Bloomfield Road, will be joining the club on a permanent basis.

"The situation with Andy is that he is a good mate of mine who needs somewhere to train," explained Preece.

"He has several options open to him, including First Division clubs, but it's not true that he is on trial with us.

"Andy is a quality player who has experience at the top level and the odds of us getting him are very slim."

Morrison has been a fans favourite at every club he has played for and his experience and commanding style would be a boon to the Shakers who are struggling defensively in the league.

Although Preece realistically believes Morrison will get fixed up with a club further up the Nationwide League ladder he hasn't completely ruled out his mate pulling on a Bury shirt.

"Once he gets fully fit he will need matches and I suppose there is always an outside chance we could sneak a game or two out of him which would be superb.

"But that would be all down to finance and the odds of that happening are very, very slim."