BRIAN Barry-Murphy helped Bury gain a late point against promotion-chasing Lincoln, then pledged his future to the Shakers.

The Irish midfielder has been linked with League Two rivals Stockport and Chester after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by at Gigg Lane.

But Barry-Murphy seized his chance on Saturday and his 79th minute corner laid on the vital equaliser for substitute John Fitzgerald.

"I asked the manager for a chance, and it's come along a bit later than I would have hoped, but I'm just glad to be back playing," Barry-Murphy said.

"There's been a bit of speculation linking me with other clubs, but I've always stated that I wanted to stay and be given a chance."

Commitment

Barry-Murphy's commitment is another boost for boss Chris Casper, with Richie Baker and Marc Pugh both set to sign contracts that will keep them at Gigg Lane until 2009.

The Shakers got off to a great start when leading scorer Andy Bishop headed in his 17th goal of the season from Pugh's fifth-minute corner.

It took Lincoln a while to adjust to a heavily-sanded pitch, but they drew level eight minutes before the break when Jamie Forrester stretched to turn in Paul Mayo's low left-wing cross.

The visitors grew in confidence as the second half progressed, and Lee Frecklington scored with a magnificent header from the edge of the area after Ryan Amoo had crossed the ball from the left.

Casper responded by sending on Fitzgerald, and the defender scored with his first touch by heading in Barry-Murphy's excellent corner.

Are you happy with the current Shakers squad? Have your say.