LEE Clark is challenging his Bury players to rise to the big occasion tonight when they take on Sunderland.

The Shakers boss feels their home game, against a side playing Premier League football last season, is the glamour tie of the Carabao Cup first round.

And, ahead of their televised clash, the former Black Cats midfielder is keen for his players to show the watching public what they have to offer.

“This is probably the biggest tie of the round, the biggest club outside of the Premier League and the biggest club that’s in this competition at this moment in time,” he said.

“I watched them on Friday and I was quite impressed with how they played.

“It’s a great game for my players, national television, home tie, the crowd will be excited and what an opportunity for them to go and show people what good players they are.”

Clark is set to offer a warm welcome to striker James Vaughan, who left the Energy Check Stadium for Sunderland in the summer, but hopes his return to the North West is far from a happy one.

“It’s going to be great to see James back, he made a massive contribution to this football club and certainly during my time he was superb. We hope we see the angry side of him on Thursday night about 10 o’clock because we know he doesn’t take losing very well.”

n Bury have signed former Celtic goalkeeper Leo Fasan on non-contract terms as cover for Joe Murphy.

Fasan will provide back-up until Clark is able to bring in his top target, believed to be Newcastle’s Freddie Woodman.