MICHAEL Nelson took his place in Bury's starting line-up for yesterday's game at Bournemouth grateful not to be facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Nelson's place in the Shakers team was interrupted last season by a punctured lung.

And he could have been out of action for much longer thanks to a reckless tackle in last Tuesday's Worthington Cup tie against Stoke City.

Icelander Brynjar Gunnarsson was red-carded for a tackle that even Stoke boss Steve Cotterill refused to defend.

"I just saw him coming in at the last minute," recalled Nelson. "Fortunately my foot was off the ground because had my studs been in the pitch and he'd caught me, I could easily ended up with a broken leg.

'I was lucky'

"It was bit sore on Wednesday morning but I was lucky. There is competition in every position now and everyone must play well to stay in the team."

And having started the season on the bench, the 22-year-old Gateshead-born Newcastle fan is determined to keep his place.

Nelson was outstanding against York City 10 days ago and was another man of the match contender against Stoke. But he knows this is an important season for him - his third at the Gigg Lane club.

"Last season was my first full season in the Football League," he says. "I started well but then got that injury.

"This year I feel a lot fitter and lot stronger and hopefully I can keep my place."

Despite the departure of Sam Collins to Port Vale, Nelson must keep one eye on the competition for his shirt.

Matt Barrass, Danny Swailes, Steve Redmond and Colin Woodthorpe have all been used and done well in a three-man defensive line.

Competition for places

"There wasn't the same competition for places last season and I think that's one of the reason why we are doing a lot better.

"The gaffer has also brought in the likes of Pawel Abbott and Terry Dunfield who have made a difference."

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