BURY boss Andy Preece has given Indian international Baichung Bhutia a vote of confidence and put to rest rumours of a rift between himself and the Asian star.

The Shakers chief has kept Bhutia on the sidelines since the FA Cup exit at the hands of Northwich Victoria two months ago and he has struggled to even get a game in the club's Pontin's League side recently.

A section of the Shakers faithful are of the belief Preece and Bhutia have had a fall-out but after Bhutia's superb performance in Wednesday night's LDV Vans Trophy win over Kidderminster Preece was happy to put them right.

"Baichung did excellent, we gave him a free role and allowed him to get on the ball and he came up with the good," said Preece.

"We know he can do it, he has all the quality in the world and against Kidderminster he did just what I want him to do - put me under pressure to keep him in the team."

However, Preece explained that Bhutia's attitude had not been 100 per cent both in training and in the reserves.

When he was dropped the boss expected him to be banging on his door asking why he isn't involved but he didn't leaving Preece to question his hunger.

When questioned about the fans who wanted to see him in the first eleven the manager said: "A lot of the supporters don't see the reserve games.

"Sometimes he doesn't seem too interested and I can't justify putting him in before Lutel James who puts it in week after week."

But Wednesday night's display from Bhutia was just what the boss wanted and he has staked a claim to a starting berth for tomorrow's clash at Northampton Town.

"We gave him more freedom tonight and he did excellent," said Preece. "He grew in confidence and the game went on and he showed just what an asset he can be to the side.

"He's a good lad and it's been difficult for him to come over here and establish himself in the game but he's shown us what he can do and given me a problem!"