HARPAL Singh's dislocated shoulder will keep him out of Bury's line-up for the next three months.

The on-loan Leeds winger will enter hospital next week for shoulder reconstruction surgery.

The news is a sickener for the Bradford-born winger and for Shakers boss Andy Preece.

Preece said: "It's a big blow for the lad as he wanted to get in a full season under his belt to show what he can do, and to be fair that's just what he was doing.

"But from his point of view, in the long run, it's better that he has the operation now and ensure it doesn't happen again.

"It just means that he'll be out a while longer and it's doubtful he'll be fit until February."

With Singh out, and Glen Whelan missing on international duty with the Republic of Ireland Under-20 squad, the manager was busy trying to bring in another loan replacement this week.

He was hopeful of signing up a Premiership youngster ahead of Saturday's home clash against Northampton Town.

Paul O'Shaughnessy's will be suspended, but Preece was hoping Terry Dunfield and Justin Thompson would return from international duty with Canada early enough to play their part.

Preece hoped that both would be back in training today, although he was waiting to see how tired they were after their international exertions. He added: "Their match on Wednesday went into extra time and Terry played the whole game so we'll have to see how he recovers."

Two players on their way back to full fitness, George Clegg and Matt Barrass, both got through 90 minutes of Wednesday night's 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers reserves in the Manchester Senior Cup, while Gareth Seddon also played two-thirds of the game.

Northampton's new manager Colin Calderwood could be missing five defenders following their 2-1 victory over Swansea City on Monday night.

Ian Sampson is suspended, while Peter Clark, Ashley Westwood, Jerry Gill and Paul Reid are big injury doubts.