Leon Clarke is set to face his former club as high-flying Bury take on Wigan Athletic at Gigg Lane in a local grudge match in League One.
The Shakers’ top scorer failed to make his mark during a six-month loan spell at the Lactics, scoring just once – on his club debut – as they were relegated from the Championship.
But Clarke has rediscovered his goal scoring touch, notching seven times in the league, and scored the only goal against Colchester United for Bury’s sixth successive league win.
Clarke, who missed out on League One’s Player of the Month for September despite scoring four goals, has been praised by manager David Flitcroft ahead of the game for his goal return so far.
“His performance over the season has been fantastic,” he said.
“He’s found a home, he’s a fantastic trainer and I do believe that if you maintain your standards like Leon does then the goals will come.
“He’s nearly in double figures already and he’s only 10 games in.”
Clarke missed Bury’s midweek 1-0 defeat to League Two Morecombe in midweek due to suspension.
Flitcroft, whose perfect September record was not enough to secure the Manager of the Month award ahead of Burton Albion’s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, said his absence had a significant impact on the result.
“I looked at Tuesday night’s game and we have probably missed him – his quality, his devilment, his pace and his power.
“He is in a good streak because his work ethic, his training ethic and his standards are that high.”
Bury will be looking to take advantage of League One’s top two Walsall and Burton playing each other on Saturday and secure the bragging rights over the 2013 FA Cup winners who were in the Premier League just three seasons ago.
Image courtesy of Bury Football Club via YouTube, with thanks.
