JIM Provett is expected to sign for Bury by the end of the week.

Having been a regular face around Gigg Lane during the pre-season campaign, the former Hartlepool United goalkeeper has had plenty of time to get used to his new surroundings.

But Chris Casper believes the 24-year-old can do what no Shakers keeper has done for some time - and cement his position at number one over the course of a whole season.

Since Glynn Garner left the club in May 2005, a succession of keepers have come and gone. Unfortunate injuries have accounted for some, but consistency is the main issue that worries the Shakers boss.

"Jim is a good goalkeeper. He has got experience, he is technically very sound and I'm sure he will be a very good signing for us," he said.

"It's such an important position in the side. We have had two or three weeks to get it settled now, and hopefully Jim will be the answer to all that."

Andy Warrington may well have laid claim to the number one spot this season, but since his decision to turn down a deal at Bury to join Rotherham, youngster Aaron Grundy - who injured his ankle this week - has remained the only professional keeper on the books.

That leaves Provett as the only choice in goal against Blackpool this weekend, but Casper said the rest of the side should also have a more familiar feel about it for Shakers fans.

"We have had a lot of trialists in over the last few weeks. We have had a look at a lot of players but we have now got to start putting things into place," he said.

"It's all building up to the MK Dons game on August 11, so the next two games are going to be very important to gauge how far we have come."