RYAN Lowe admits Bury’s strength in depth will be crucial as they prepare for one of the most important weeks in their season so far.

After winning at Exeter to go within two points of leaders Lincoln, the Shakers return to Gigg Lane for three successive home games.

They have two League Two games against local rivals – Paul Scholes’ Oldham this Saturday and Sol Campbell’s Macclesfield next weekend – when they aim to pile on the pressure at the top of the table.In between those games, Bury host Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy semi-final on Tuesday night, when Lincoln play their game in hand, at home to Exeter.

Lowe will have to rotate his squad but he is confident he has the options to adapt and adjust to whatever situations arise.

“It’s not just about the team now, it’s about the squad, and the togetherness we’ve got in there,” he said. “I’ve said to the lads we’ve got 13 (league) games to go and it isn’t just about the starting XI, it’s about a 17, 18, 19, 20-man squad.

“There’ll be changes up and down in different games, with different personnel. It doesn’t matter because we’ve got it.

“On Saturday, Caolan Lavery was about to come on but then Jordan Rossiter goes down with cramp – no problem, we’re a team.

“Chris Stokes came on at half time because Scotty Wharton was feeling his groin.

“Stokesy’s last game wasn’t as good but he came on and proved he’s a good player. We never lost faith in him.

“Dom Telford and Eoghan O’Connell also came on so you can see the quality we’ve got.”

After facing Oldham, Bury have the chance to get to Wembley for the first time since losing the Third Division play-off final in 1995 – and the first time since the national stadium was rebuilt - and Lowe feels that would be just reward for his players.

“I’ve never been to Wembley before – and I want to go,” said Lowe. “I’ve said to the lads that I want to take them to Wembley, for the style of football we’re playing and for the hard work they’ve put in.

“How we’re doing in the league and how we’ve treated this cup competition is there to be seen.”