JAY O’Shea is set to return to action this afternoon when Bury face Bolton Wanderers in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington.

The Shakers playmaker has been sidelined with a knee injury since limping off in the opening-day win against Walsall. The 29-year-old returned to training this week and is expected to take part in the match with the Whites this afternoon.

Manager Lee Clark has also said O’Shea will play as part of an under-23s side due to face Wolves U23s at Gigg Lane on Monday, kick-off 7pm, in the opening group game of the Premier League Cup.

Clark said: “The players are in over the next 10 days. We have got a behind-closed-doors game against Bolton Wanderers on Thursday at Carrington.

“Other players who have not had a game like Jay O’Shea will play a part in that. He will also play in the Premier League Cup on Monday for the under-23s against Wolves.

“He has looked good on the training ground so there’s another boost for us.

“The lads will have a couple of days off over the weekend so they can get rested up, both mentally and physically, then we will crack on for the full week in preparation for Bradford.”

Bury’s League One match at Oldham Athletic, which was due to be played on Saturday, has been rearranged for Tuesday, October 24 (kick off 7.45pm) after the original fixture was postponed due to international call-ups.

All tickets bought for the original fixture will be valid for the rescheduled clash.