Thompson set for bigger role

Joe Thompson could play more of a role for Bury in the coming weeks following his recovery from cancer.

The ex-Tranmere and Rochdale winger joined the Shakers this summer just months after he was given the all-clear from Hodgkin lymphoma. Back then Shakers boss David Flitcroft warned that it would take time for Thompson, 25, to return to peak condition and his debut appearance in August remained his only outing for weeks. Thompson has still not added to that cameo against Bolton in the Capital One Cup, with Flitcroft conceding his recovery process had been a longer-than-expected one, but he has been an unused substitute in Bury's previous three fixtures. "We thought he'd be further on than he was but that was just guesswork, there was no data out there to support our first initial reaction," Flitcroft said of Thompson's fitness. "By the end of September we wanted him pushing and driving forward. It's bit by bit with Joe. "He's certainly looking stronger; we've done loads of power work and power running with him. He's definitely getting and looking stronger. It's been a real bonus. "We got the times wrong, we thought he would be a lot closer than he was. It's an unusual situation that happened to Joe so time's the healer on that one. "He's been disappointed because the first target we've set he's gone past that and not been where he wants to be. "Joe's disappointed but he's reset and he's back focusing on the next stage to getting to the maximum power - I think that's the big thing that we need from Joe. If we don't, his body's not going to be able to get through the rigours of 90 minutes and it's key that we do that."